Music Education Research

Walter and Walter (2015) present a compelling argument of how brain research can inform skill development in musicians, particularly music students. Practice is important in musical skill development and there has been some major inroads into the understanding of musical skill development and expertise in musicians with deliberate practice. What is not fully understood is how the brain responds to varying amounts of practice. We do know the neural pathways in the brain will change with myelination leading to improved connectivity within the networks of the brain of highly trained musicians. Further research is needed so that teachers can use this knowledge to improve music teaching and help students develop musical expertise.