Scientists from the University of Amsterdam concluded that the ability to perceive music is biologically embedded in humans and manifests itself in the first days of life. The study was published in the journal Current Biology (CurBio).
Research has shown that infants respond to rhythm and melody long before they begin to speak, learn, or interact with culture. This means that musicality cannot be considered an exclusively acquired skill; it is part of the brain's innate properties.
According to the study, babies are able to recognize rhythmic structures and group sounds according to pitch from an early age. These basic mechanisms form the basis for further musical perception. But culture further influences musicality by determining styles, instruments, and musical traditions.
Scientists note that musicality is not a single ability, but a complex of functions. This includes a sense of rhythm, memorizing sound patterns, emotional response, and predicting melodic structure. These processes involve different areas of the brain and may have different evolutionary origins.
Additional confirmation comes from animal studies.
"For example, macaques and some bird species also show the ability to synchronize to a rhythm. This points to ancient biological mechanisms underlying musical perception," the researchers noted.
It is emphasized that music and speech process the brain differently. People with congenital amusia can acquire language normally, but have difficulties with musical structures, which confirms the independence of these systems.
The authors believe that music arose not as a separate function, but as a result of the integration of older mechanisms: sound, movement, and emotion perception. This explains why music affects memory, mood and motor processes at the same time.
According to the researchers, the understanding of innate musicality could expand the use of music therapy, for example, in restoring speech, motor coordination and emotional state.
Translation:Lurer.com -in:
