Brain and Cognitive Processes under the Influence of Symphonic Orchestra Music

This research aimed to determine the functional characteristics of the brain of interpreters and people who listen to symphonic music. With this in mind, a quantitative research with comparative-correlational design was developed. 120 people participated in three different groups: interpreters, listeners and controls; being comparable in age, gender and schooling. The interpreters presented deficits in verbal fluency of semantic type and difficulties in planning, however, they have greater performance in tasks of visual memory, attention, and speed of information processing, in comparison with those who only listen to music and even more with those who are not exposed to this type of music. The listeners presented a commitment to understanding information and better verbal memory, as well as an organization of executive type and phonological fluency. Thus, the influence of symphonic music, on the functioning of neurocognitive processes, varies and depends on the way in which the individual is exposed to it, and this will determine the effect that will be had on their brain functioning, since, for some brain functions, interpreting the musical instrument increases and improves the performance of the cognitive process, and for other functions, it is to hear the music, and not to interpret the instrument, which favors a greater performance. Regardless of this, it was determined that there is an advantage in the results of brain function in those people who are exposed to this type of orchestral music, either as part of the orchestra or as a listener of the melody.