Harmonizing Minds: Exploring the Interplay of Music and Physics to Enhance Cognitive Processes in Adolescents

Abstract

Is music related to physics? Is there any relationship between music and physics in our brain? It is probably not a coincidence that Brian May or Albert Einstein were good at science and music. It is well known music provokes the activation of several cytoarchitectural regions of the brain. Especially when playing an instrument. To learn physics or even thinking about a new experiment in order to prove a scientific hypothesis requires a good base of mathematics and creativity, implying intuition, well structured knowledge and the ability to develop order from chaos. In this article, the creative process (Wallas' stages, preparation, incubation, illumination, evaluation) of composing a new musical score and physics learning (or research) are analyzed from a physiological and psychological point of view. There are several common structures in composing music and physics research, especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a fundamental area of the executive functions. It is possible to consider music and physics as complementary learning tools to improve more general cognitive processes. And we can find applications in education. These processes contribute to students' cognitive development, critical thinking skills and emotional engagement to music.