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A Note from the President |
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Written by Dr. Marcie Zinn
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I am not here to replicate this important work. However, as a society in place to bring neuroscience to musicians, I can take the 8 Emerging Summit Themes seen in the above summit report and make comments that amplify their message, relevant to our purpose:
- Closing the Gap--"brain based" education practices are slow in coming in the classroom, but non existent in the performing arts. We agree add that brain science is not a driving force behind improvement in music education practices. Teachers can learn how to learn about cognitive neuroscience and bring it to the lesson, rehearsal and performance.
- Neuromyths Still Persist, such as belifs that one can ascertain the difference between learning and genetic predispoition, exist in the performing arts. This, and other misguided notions need to be identified and removed from educational policy.
- New Research Agenda Needed. Artists are generally not trained in science, and scientists are rarely trained in the arts. Closing that gap from both "ends" may, in the final analysis, precipitate the greatest ability to created informed teaching practice. Multidisciplinary means just that, and we all have to make it happen.
- Communication is Key. Everyone must listen to one another, and the viewpoint that emerged from the Summit was that scientists and educators must come to understand one anothers' language and intent. An example would be the word "theory." The word has two distinct meanings; one in a scientific context, the other in the real world (hunch). The science meaning is far from a hunch, but unaware of its meaning, artists typically believe that scientists just go from hunches. These misguided notions have had far reaching effects in the past. We as a society need to make it our priority to dissemenate accurate information.
- Contributions from Many Disciplines are Needed. We need not limit ourselves to social science, neuroscience and education. The summit called for other disciplines, such as engineering, to help design new experiments so as to create better learning environments for all.
- New Careers Opportunities in Neuroscience are Emerging. The summit pointed to the creation of new university programs that would combine relevant fields. Sport Psychology comes to my mind, and we should look at their work. Sport Psychology was ahead of its time in the creation of the cross-discipline of Physical Movement, Sports, and Social Science. They not only created college certificate and degree programs, but offer the opportunity for individuals to gain knowledge through their Certified Consultant Programs. Our Society will replicate this idea for the Performing Arts.
- Innovative Training Models in Teacher Preparation are Needed. This key point emphasizes the critical importance of teachers being knowledgeable consumers of science--all science. The Summit called for teachers gaining lab experience, working with scientist mentors and working in supervised settings. We wholly agree that this position is not just sufficient, but necessary to accomplish the goal of neuroscience integration into the Arts Curriculum.
- Institutions of Higher Learning Must Bring Education and Neuroscience Together. Existing faculty can be utilized with CE credits emphasizing cross-disciplinary work. We also look to the Institute for Healthcare Initiatives in their pioneering work to enhance all aspects of health care.
This is the future of the Performing arts in all aspects. We invite you to join.
Dr. Marcie Zinn
Mark Zinn
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