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Music training was shown to induce changes in auditory processing in older adults. However, most findings stem from correlational studies and fewer examine long-term sustainable benefits. Moreover, research shows small and variable... more
Music training was shown to induce changes in auditory processing in older adults. However, most findings stem from correlational studies and fewer examine long-term sustainable benefits. Moreover, research shows small and variable changes in auditory event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes and/or latencies in older adults. Conventional time domain analysis methods, however, are susceptible to latency jitter in evoked responses and may miss important information of brain processing. Here, we used time-frequency analyses to examine training-related changes in auditory-evoked oscillatory activity in healthy older adults (N = 50) assigned to a music training (n = 16), visual art training (n = 17), or a no-treatment control (n = 17) group. All three groups were presented with oddball auditory paradigms with synthesized piano tones or vowels during the acquisition of high-density EEG. Neurophysiological measures were collected at three-time points: pre-training, post-training, and at a ...
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Objectives Preliminary evidence suggests that piano training may enhance areas of executive functions and psychosocial outcomes in aging adults. However, little is known regarding specific cognitive outcomes affected and whether or not... more
Objectives Preliminary evidence suggests that piano training may enhance areas of executive functions and psychosocial outcomes in aging adults. However, little is known regarding specific cognitive outcomes affected and whether or not enhancements are sustainable. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of piano training on cognitive performance, psychosocial well-being, and physiological stress and immune function in older adults. Methods Older adults (N = 155, 60–80 years) completed an initial 3-h assessment of standardized cognitive and psychosocial measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups: piano training, computer-assisted cognitive training, or a no-treatment control group. Training groups completed a 16-week program with 2 group training sessions per week for 90 min each session. All participants completed a standard battery of executive functions (working memory, processing speed, verbal fluency), psychosocial measures (...
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Music-based interventions have been shown to reduce behavioral expressions among persons with dementia. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a group music intervention to reduce agitation. Two memory... more
Music-based interventions have been shown to reduce behavioral expressions among persons with dementia. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a group music intervention to reduce agitation. Two memory care communities were recruited to participate in this single-arm mixed-methods study. The group music intervention program included a total of 12 sessions delivered over 4 weeks. Agitation was assessed quantitatively at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Qualitative interviews of memory care staff were conducted post-intervention. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and qualitative content analysis. The study sample ( N = 19) had a mean age of 82.74, and 73.7% were female. The great majority of participants completed the intervention and 63.2% experienced a reduction in agitation, suggesting that the intervention is feasible and acceptable in memory care and may be efficacious. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of the intervention in a ...
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Music listening interventions such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation can improve mobility, balance, and gait in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Yet, the impact of music training on executive functions is not yet known. Deficits in... more
Music listening interventions such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation can improve mobility, balance, and gait in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Yet, the impact of music training on executive functions is not yet known. Deficits in executive functions (e.g., attention, processing speed) in patients with PD result in gait interference, deficits in emotional processing, loss of functional capacity (e.g., intellectual activity, social participation), and reduced quality of life. The model of temporal prediction and timing suggests two networks collectively contribute to movement generation and execution: the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network (BGTC) and the cerebellar-thalamocortical network (CTC). Due to decreases in dopamine responsible for the disruption of the BGTC network in adults with PD, it is hypothesized that rhythmic auditory cues assist patients through recruiting an alternate network, the CTC, which extends to the supplementary motor areas (SMA) and the frontal cortices. ...
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The purpose of this project was to examine adult learning perceptions of a model music program with group piano instruction and group percussion ensemble for beginning-level musicians (ages 60–86 years). Participants were matched by age... more
The purpose of this project was to examine adult learning perceptions of a model music program with group piano instruction and group percussion ensemble for beginning-level musicians (ages 60–86 years). Participants were matched by age and education to two 16-week music programs. Forty participants completed a post-training questionnaire related to learning experiences and preferences. Results indicate that program strengths include course offerings containing musical performance and music theory, emphasis on developing social networks, and expertise of the instructor. Older adults prefer group music instruction compared with individual music instruction. These results have implications for developing model music programs that meet the needs of all learners and for music educators developing community music programs to address the preferences and needs of a growing aging population.
Research Interests: Psychology and Perception
Researchers suggest that musical training prepares the mind for learning; however, there are many obstacles to the implementation of research to practice in music education. The purpose of this article is to apply key principles of mind... more
Researchers suggest that musical training prepares the mind for learning; however, there are many obstacles to the implementation of research to practice in music education. The purpose of this article is to apply key principles of mind brain education to music education and to evaluate how music prepares the mind for learning. Practical teaching strategies and approaches are presented to maximize benefits for musical and general cognitive development. Application of such strategies and approaches discussed in mind brain education may enhance music classroom teaching and learning.
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ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of private piano instructors on the role of challenge in teaching and learning the piano and to examine the potential application of catastrophe theory in understanding the... more
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of private piano instructors on the role of challenge in teaching and learning the piano and to examine the potential application of catastrophe theory in understanding the role and outcomes of such challenges. A 23-item electronic questionnaire was administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data related to perceptions of music teaching and learning. Respondents included (n = 804) piano instructors affiliated with Music Teachers National Association. Results of a correlation analysis indicate an interaction between years of teaching experience and the potential for a non-linear advancement in music learning. The analysis suggests that catastrophe theory may indeed be applicable to music education. Implications from this research contribute to our knowledge of the role of challenge in student retention and our understanding of curricular development in the advancement of music learning.
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This is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and
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The purpose of this study was to examine facial affect of young children who completed a singing task that included imitation and improvisation. Eighty-nine children (4–6 years: 45 male and 44 female participants) completed three singing... more
The purpose of this study was to examine facial affect of young children who completed a singing task that included imitation and improvisation. Eighty-nine children (4–6 years: 45 male and 44 female participants) completed three singing conditions from a standard singing test battery (i.e., Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing-Test Battery of Singing Skills [AIRS-TBSS]). These included singing a favorite song, imitating a song, and improvising a song ending. Facial affect was analyzed with Noldus FaceReader software, and subjective responses also were collected. Results revealed children exhibited a happy emotion most prominently during the improvisation and favorite song conditions compared with the imitation condition. However, a higher percentage of surprised emotions were found during the imitation condition. Frequency analysis revealed a significantly different range and final note for the improvisation condition compared with imitation. Children’s self-reported rat...
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Dementia is the third leading diagnosis among US residents in assisted living communities (ALCs), and agitation is a major challenge for residents, families, and staff. While music interventions in nursing homes and the community have... more
Dementia is the third leading diagnosis among US residents in assisted living communities (ALCs), and agitation is a major challenge for residents, families, and staff. While music interventions in nursing homes and the community have generated promising findings, little evidence of acceptability or efficacy data are available in ALCs. This pilot study tested the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a staff-led group music intervention among ALC residents with dementia (n=19). We used a mixed-methods pre-post study design. The primary outcome measure was the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory-Short Form (CMAI-SF), and facilitator focus group interviews were conducted to gain additional insight into intervention acceptability and facilitators/barriers to implementation among activity staff. Seventeen (89.5%) participants completed the intervention with a 77% overall session attendance rate. Results suggest that the intervention is well-received by management, family, and activi...
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Understanding children’s emotional perceptions of creative tasks can contribute to the optimal design of music programs. Little is known of how young children perceive vocal tasks, and whether music training changes their emotional... more
Understanding children’s emotional perceptions of creative tasks can contribute to the optimal design of music programs. Little is known of how young children perceive vocal tasks, and whether music training changes their emotional perceptions. This research examined children’s facial expressions while performing vocal imitation and improvisation tasks before and after music training. Young children ( N=79) aged four to six years were randomly assigned to a multimodal music program, Lego training, or a no-treatment control group. Their facial expressions while performing the tasks were analyzed, and learning outcomes were assessed by measuring participants’ pitch accuracy and improvisation skills at pre-and post-training. The results yielded no significant differences among the groups’ facial expressions. There was, however, a significant main effect of time such that participants showed more Surprise while performing vocal improvisation tasks. While participants in the multimodal m...
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OBJECTIVES To determine whether music engagement influences middle-aged and older adults' performance on episodic memory tasks. METHODS Secondary data analysis of a sample (N = 4,592) of cognitively healthy adults from the 2016 Health... more
OBJECTIVES To determine whether music engagement influences middle-aged and older adults' performance on episodic memory tasks. METHODS Secondary data analysis of a sample (N = 4,592) of cognitively healthy adults from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study were used for this study. Multivariable regression models were used to analyze the cross-sectional differences in performance on tasks of episodic memory between participants who listened to music (n= 3,659) or sang or played an instrument (n= 989). RESULTS On average, participants recalled 10.3 words out of a possible 20. Regression analyses showed that both music listening and singing or playing an instrument were independently associated with significantly better episodic memory. DISCUSSION The findings provide the first population-based evidence that music engagement is associated with better episodic memory among middle-aged and older adults. Future studies should examine whether the association is causal or has a dose res...
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The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of music instruction on information processing speed. We examined music s role on information processing speed in musicians (N = 14) and non- musicians (N -16) using standardized... more
The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of music instruction on information processing speed. We examined music s role on information processing speed in musicians (N = 14) and non- musicians (N -16) using standardized neuropsychological measures, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Results of a One WayANOVA indi- cate significantly (p < .05) enhanced performance by musicians compared to non-musicians on the PASAT and TMT (Part A and B). These results suggest that musical training has the capacity to enhance processing speed of auditory and visual content. Implications for music educators stem- ming from these findings include the need for inclusion of rhythmic sight-reading exercises and improvisational activities to reinforce processing speed
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Introduction Music may benefit sleep and daytime alertness by decreasing stress, increasing attention, and potentially, slowing the progression of dementia. This study examined preliminary effects of a group-based music intervention on... more
Introduction Music may benefit sleep and daytime alertness by decreasing stress, increasing attention, and potentially, slowing the progression of dementia. This study examined preliminary effects of a group-based music intervention on sleep health among older adults with dementia. Methods Participants were older adults with dementia living in an assisted living facility (n=9; Mage=80.11; Mrange=63−89 years). Cohort 1 (n=4) received the intervention in the morning and cohort 2 (n=5) received the intervention in the afternoon. Participants completed a 4-week intervention protocol (12 sessions) along with a one-week actigraphy sleep assessment before and after the intervention. Informed by sleep literature, we constructed a composite sleep health score encompassing Regularity, Satisfaction or quality, Alertness, Timing, Efficiency, and Duration (higher scores indicating more daily sleep problems). Using descriptive statistics and multilevel modeling, we evaluated preliminary effects o...
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Grant writing can be a useful tool for music educators and researchers who seek added funding for resources to facilitate their projects and programs. Since few grant-writing courses are tailored to the needs of music educators, this... more
Grant writing can be a useful tool for music educators and researchers who seek added funding for resources to facilitate their projects and programs. Since few grant-writing courses are tailored to the needs of music educators, this article provides information on how to identify funding mechanisms, understand grant-writing terminology, draft application components, and develop an idea into a letter of inquiry or an elevator speech to approach potential funders. Creative approaches to grant writing and careful attention to program requirements can contribute to successfully funded proposals that provide additional resources and support for music programs and professional development.
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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly associated with motor symptoms; however, many patients with PD exhibit decline in executive functions. Executive functions refer to a broad array of generalized cognitive abilities such as cognitive... more
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly associated with motor symptoms; however, many patients with PD exhibit decline in executive functions. Executive functions refer to a broad array of generalized cognitive abilities such as cognitive control and working memory. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of a novel intense group piano training program on executive functions in patients with PD. Forty-five patients with PD were assigned to an intense group piano training program or a waitlist control group. Group intensive piano training consisted of basic piano technique, finger dexterity exercises, basic piano repertoire, and music theory, presented over a 10-day period (30 hrs of training). Participants completed a battery of standardized cognitive measures of processing speed, cognitive control, and verbal fluency, pre- and post-training. Results of an independent samples Mann–Whitney test on composite cognitive and psychosocial variables revealed significantly enha...
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The number of older adults with Alzheimer’s Dementia is projected to increase by 28.6% in Florida by 2025. Cost-effective non-pharmacological interventions targeting both persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers (FCs) are... more
The number of older adults with Alzheimer’s Dementia is projected to increase by 28.6% in Florida by 2025. Cost-effective non-pharmacological interventions targeting both persons with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers (FCs) are urgently needed. This small pilot study tested the feasibility of a music and mindfulness intervention in an assisted living community (ALC) in Tampa, FL. Methods: We used a mixed-methods single group pre-post study design. To date, a total of 5 PWD and 3 FCs were enrolled, and all completed the 4-week intervention (12 sessions for PWD and 4 sessions for FCs). Outcome measures include behavioral symptoms and sleep quality for PWD, and mindfulness, sleep quality and perceived stress for FCs. Outcome data were collected via survey questionnaires and focus group interviews (FCs and staff). Results: Preliminary analysis showed that the intervention is well-received by PWD, FCs, and ALC staff. PWD participants experienced a reduction in behavioral symptom...
The purpose of this study was to a) identify motivational factors to join and maintain membership in adult, auditioned community choirs; b) examine relationships between music achievement, music aptitude, and selected motivational... more
The purpose of this study was to a) identify motivational factors to join and maintain membership in adult, auditioned community choirs; b) examine relationships between music achievement, music aptitude, and selected motivational factors; and c) examine the role of stress and anxiety as factors in choral participation. Participants ( N = 135) from four adult, auditioned community choirs participated in this study. Data was collected using measures of musical aptitude, vocal achievement, and a questionnaire relating to the topics of motivation, retention, and stress/anxiety informed by Cusp Catastrophe Theory. Results suggest that aesthetic motivation is a primary factor contributing to enrollment and retention in adult, auditioned community choirs. Experienced choral members perceive little stress or anxiety when learning or performing choral music; however, members believe that some stress may be beneficial to singing. Implications include the need for conductors to consider the i...
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BACKGROUND The prevelance of dementia, the most expensive medical condition [1,2], and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are increasing [3]. Finding effective intervention strategies to prevent or delay dementia is imperative... more
BACKGROUND The prevelance of dementia, the most expensive medical condition [1,2], and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are increasing [3]. Finding effective intervention strategies to prevent or delay dementia is imperative to public health. Prior research provides compelling evidence that central auditory processing (CAP) deficits are a risk factor for dementia [4-6]. Grounded in the information degradation theory [7,8], we hypothesize that improving brain function at early perceptual levels (i.e., CAP) may be optimal to attenuate cognitive and functional decline and potentially curb dementia prevalence. Piano training is one avenue to enhance cognition [9-13] by facilitating CAP at initial perceptual stages [14-18]. OBJECTIVES The Keys To Staying Sharp study is a two arm, randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of piano training relative to music listening instruction to improve CAP, cognition, and everyday function among older adults. In addition, the moderating effects of MCI status on piano training efficacy will be examined and potential mediators of intervention effects will be explored. HYPOTHESES We hypothesize that piano training will improve CAP and cognitive performance, leading to functional improvements. We expect that enhanced CAP will mediate cognitive gains. We further hypothesize that cognitive gains will mediate functional improvements. METHOD We plan to enroll 360 adults aged 60 years and older who will be randomized to piano training or an active control condition of music listening instruction and complete pre- and immediate post- assessments of CAP, cognition, and everyday function.
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Age-related cognitive decline and cognitive impairment represent the fastest growing health epidemic worldwide among those over 60. There is a critical need to identify effective and novel complex cognitive interventions to promote... more
Age-related cognitive decline and cognitive impairment represent the fastest growing health epidemic worldwide among those over 60. There is a critical need to identify effective and novel complex cognitive interventions to promote successful aging. Since piano training engages cognitive and bimanual sensorimotor processing, we hypothesize that piano training may serve as an effective cognitive intervention, as it requires sustained attention and engages an executive network that supports generalized cognition and emotional control. Here, I describe the protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of piano training on cognitive performance in adulthood, a period associated with decreased neuroplasticity. In this cluster RCT, healthy older adults (age 60-80) were recruited and screened to control for confounding variables. Eligible participants completed an initial 3-h assessment of standardized cognitive and psychosocial measures. Participants were stratified by age, education, and estimate of intelligence and randomly assigned to one of three groups: piano training, computer brain training, or a no-treatment control group. Computer brain training consisted of progressively difficult auditory cognitive exercises (Brain HQ; Posit Science, 2010). Participants assigned to training groups completed a 16-week program that met twice a week for 90 minutes. Upon program completion and at a 3-month follow-up, training participants and no-treatment controls completed a posttest visit lasting 2.5 hours.
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The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of a self-regulated learning practice strategy curriculum (SRL–PSC) on 30 high school instrumentalists’ performance achievement, self-efficacy, practice behaviors, and... more
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of a self-regulated learning practice strategy curriculum (SRL–PSC) on 30 high school instrumentalists’ performance achievement, self-efficacy, practice behaviors, and self-perceptions of practice behaviors. The curriculum included peer collaboration, verbal mediation, group discussion, and goal-setting. Results of this research revealed that participation in the SRL–PSC enhanced self-efficacy, F(1,19) = 14.86, p = .001, and perceived music practice behaviors such as strategy usage and thoughtful intent, F(1,19) = 4.78, p = .041. Implications from this research suggest that offering students opportunities to employ a self-regulated application of practice strategies may enhance musical independence supporting lifelong learning.
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The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a short-term intense piano training program on executive functions in healthy older adults. Thirty-four adult participants with little to no formal music training were recruited... more
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a short-term intense piano training program on executive functions in healthy older adults. Thirty-four adult participants with little to no formal music training were recruited and completed a battery of standardized cognitive measures at three time points: pre-training, pre-training two (upon completion of a control time period), and post-training. The piano training program included 30 hours of focused music theory, finger dexterity exercises, bimanual coordination exercises, technical exercises, performance duets, and standard piano repertoire. Results of a Repeated Measures MANOVA show significantly enhanced verbal fluency and processing speed, post-training; however, no difference was found in verbal memory performance. Data suggest that a short-term intense piano training program may benefit cognitive performance in areas of verbal fluency and processing speed. Short-term intense music programs may be an appropriate...
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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a short-term preschool music program with creativity, bimanual gross motor training, and vocal development on preschool children’s inhibition. Inhibition is the key factor in... more
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a short-term preschool music program with creativity, bimanual gross motor training, and vocal development on preschool children’s inhibition. Inhibition is the key factor in preschool children’s executive functions development between 3–5 years. Thirty-six preschool children were randomly assigned to music or Lego training, a comparable control task. We administered neuropsychological measures pre- and post-training. Results of a repeated measures ANOVA on the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT), a task requiring inhibition and visual discrimination, indicated a significant time by group interaction, with fewer errors committed post-training by the music group compared to controls. However, only a main effect of time was found for the second inhibition task, the Day/Night Stroop Task, a task requiring inhibition of a dominant verbal response. Music training in early childhood that includes an emphasis on bimanual coordinatio...
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The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of music instruction on information processing speed. We examined music's role on information processing speed in musicians (N = 14) and non-musicians (N = 16) using standardized... more
The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of music instruction on information processing speed. We examined music's role on information processing speed in musicians (N = 14) and non-musicians (N = 16) using standardized neuropsychological measures, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Results of a One Way ANOVA indicate significantly (p < .05) enhanced performance by musicians compared to non-musicians on the PASAT and TMT (Part A and B). These results suggest that musical training has the capacity to enhance processing speed of auditory and visual content. Implications for music educators stemming from these findings include the need for inclusion of rhythmic sight-reading exercises and improvisational activities to reinforce processing speed.
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The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of active music instruction in piano compared with music listening instruction on executive function in healthy older adults (ages 60-85). Seventy adults were matched by age,... more
The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of active music instruction in piano compared with music listening instruction on executive function in healthy older adults (ages 60-85). Seventy adults were matched by age, education, and estimated intelligence in two 16-week training groups: group piano instruction (GPI) and music listening instruction (MLI). Participants completed a battery of cognitive assessments pre- and post-instruction to examine processing speed, verbal fluency, planning, and cognitive control. Forty-six participants (24 in GPI, 22 in MLI) completed the study. Results of a series of repeated measures ANOVAs reveal no significant group differences on measures of executive function as both groups demonstrated an increase in scores. To further examine the effects of training on specific cognitive abilities, separate analyses of paired t-tests for each independent group indicate significantly enhanced processing speed, verbal fluency, and cognitive contro...
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Bugos, J.A. (2014). Media and digital strategies in intergenerational music learning. In S. O’Neil (Series Ed. & Vol. Ed.), Research to Practice: Vol. 6. Music and media infused lives: Music education in a digital age (pp. 55-74).... more
Bugos, J.A. (2014). Media and digital strategies in intergenerational music learning. In S. O’Neil (Series Ed. & Vol. Ed.), Research to Practice: Vol. 6. Music and media infused lives: Music education in a digital age (pp. 55-74). Waterloo, ON: Canadian Music Educators’ Association.
ABSTRACT Reflecting upon several music training programmes developed to assist beginning older adult musicians as a cognitive training intervention, the author suggests a model for connecting community music programmes and musical... more
ABSTRACT Reflecting upon several music training programmes developed to assist beginning older adult musicians as a cognitive training intervention, the author suggests a model for connecting community music programmes and musical training to successful ageing. Musical training has the capacity to promote cognitive transfer, self-efficacy and overall quality of life, essential for successful ageing and therapeutic rehabilitation. This model provides a holistic perspective regarding the relationship between music participation and programmatic structure necessary to facilitate change in physiological, psychological and emotional health. Interviews from participants suggest that music education programmes, when structured as a cognitive training programme, can enhance cognitive and emotional status. Community music programmes and music education opportunities offer aesthetic enrichment, intrinsic enjoyment and high ecological validity, elements lacking in current cognitive training programmes.
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ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of Suzuki violin instruction on verbal memory performance, memory strategy usage, and visual processing speed performance in child musicians and non-musicians, ages 8–12.... more
ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of Suzuki violin instruction on verbal memory performance, memory strategy usage, and visual processing speed performance in child musicians and non-musicians, ages 8–12. Thirty-five participants, 18 musicians with four or more years of musical training and 17 non-musicians, completed measures of music aptitude, motor speed, music reading, intelligence, verbal memory, and processing speed. Results indicate significantly (p &lt; .05) enhanced performance by musicians compared to non-musicians in verbal memory performance, including distraction list items, short-delay free recall trials, semantic clustering scores, and overall processing speed. These data support the hypothesis that Suzuki violin instruction leads to the development of semantic and syntactical knowledge to categorize words assisting in memory retrieval. Results underscore the role of auditory skills in early music instruction, the impact of musical training in cognitive development, and importance of providing musical training at an early age.
