Music Education and Transfer of Learning

摘要

Music education has a significant influence in developing various abilities, that are not only strictly related to rhythmic, harmonic and melodic aspects. In general, music making can contribute to the global development of the person. Evidences about the potential effects of music on specific abilities are emerging in several research. This chapter is a background analysis of recent research studies carried out in the field of music and transfer of learning, which is defined as the event through which a process of learning of specific and contextualized abilities, impacts on performance in other domains. The main results are summarized, considering the correlations between music education and academic achievement in several fields. The following four areas are taken in account: language, spatial and motor abilities, academic achievement and social skills. Abilities such as language acquisition, reading performances, mathematical skills, writing, visual spatial and motor skills as well as the abilities involved in interacting with other performers and to regulate the emotions will be analyzed in relation to music education. Educational implications of the potential impact of transfer mechanisms for the development of cognitive abilities and academic achievement in early childhood and adolescence will be also discussed.