Explaining Music Education's Impact on the Brain: A New Monthly Series from Music Empowers Foundation

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Music Empowers Foundation today announced the introduction of a new series of monthly articles called "YOUR BRAIN ON MUSIC EDUCATION".  This monthly column will provide a unique perspective on the positive things that take place in the brains of children who are involved in a music education program on a regular basis.  

According to Music Empowers, the articles will be researched and written by Dr. Christopher Viereck who holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Neurobiology. "I think it is very important for people to understand that the relation between music education and optimized brain development is very real and so important for our children," explained Dr. Viereck " I want to do my part to ensure that this essential piece of a child's education is made available in all of our schools. "

Music Empowers hopes that this series will make it easier for nonscientists to understand how involvement in music impacts directly the developing brains of children, teens and young adults. "We also hope that these articles will provide a go-to resource for parents and teachers when advocating for music and arts programs," said Andy Davis, Founder of Music Empowers Foundation.

Over the longer term, the series will strive to answer questions such as:

1. What about music education helps the brain wire itself more effectively, resulting in better performance in many areas for children?
2. What effect does music education have on the brain's 100 billion neurons and their 100 trillion connections?
3. Are these effects short-lived or long lasting?
4. Are there parts of the brain that are affected more than others?

The first article in the series "Music Education and Brain Development 101" was published earlier this week on the Foundation's Facebook page and can be found here and reprinted free of charge. Monthly articles will be archived at the Foundation's website www.musicempowersfoundation.org.

ABOUT MUSIC EMPOWERS FOUNDATION
Music Empowers Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit that provides financial support to nonprofits that offer innovative music education programs to communities with limited or nonexistent programs. Since its inception in early 2010, Music Empowers has awarded grants totaling over $450,000 to organizations such as Berklee City Music, Little Kids Rock, the Dr. Phil Foundation, Donorschoose.org, and the Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium. For more information on Music Empowers Foundation please go to www.musicempowersfoundation.org, become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

ABOUT DR. CHRISTOPHER VIERECK
Dr. Viereck is the Founder and CEO of Insights4MDs, LLC  and Chief Scientific officer of Improve CME, LLC and Metrics for Learning, LLC.  He holds a Ph.D. (Magna cum Laude) in developmental neurobiology from the University of Basel, Switzerland.  His experience includes over 17 years in medical research, medical education, and communications at Merck, Sanofi Aventis, and Bayer Schering.   He has published numerous articles based on his research and is a regular reviewer for Contemporary Clinical Trials.

Contact: Andrew Davis
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Music Empowers Foundation