Multiple Intelligences and Music

by Stephanie Morey

Voice Instructor - The Real School of Music, Andover
Director of Real School 4 Home School

Multiple Intelligences and Music

As many educators and parents in the progressive education circles already know, everyone learns differently! As educators in 2014, it is our job to engage all types of learners.

In my time at Salem State, I took a lot of interest in the renowned Harvard educational theorist, Howard Gardner. Basically, Gardner puts all learners into categories:

1. Musical: People good with pitch and musicality 
2. Visual/Spatial: People who learn through visual demonstrations, people with strong spatial judgment skills 
3. Bodily/Kinesthetic: People who excel in active tasks and have strong reflexes, often athletic skills 
4. Linguistic: People good with words, articulation, and language 
5. Interpersonal: People who excel in social situations and reading others, people who learn through discussion/group work 
6. Intrapersonal: People who learn through reflection 
7. Mathematical/Logical: People good with numbers; people who think in a logical and organized manner

Now.... I would argue this (though Gardner has listed it as a separate intelligence): 

Music has the ability to engage ALL learning styles!

1. Bodily/Kinesthetic: Instrumental Work, Voice, Dance/Movement

Instrumentalists are required to have excellent fine motor skills. To produce the correct fingerings is a huge kinesthetic task that will challenge the kinesthetic learner. Further, learning the embouchure (mouth technique) to play an instrument also requires a strong mind-body connection.

In a similar way, voice also requires an understanding of the body. Proper breathing and enunciation are essential for singing, and the kinesthetic learner will excel in this environment.

When talking about music, we can’t deny how huge dance and movement are to our world. From school dances to town festivals, dancing is everywhere! My favorite story about kinesthetic learners and music relates related to this very topic. It is about Jillian Lynne, the choreographer of the Broadway musical, Cats. When Jillian was a child she was screened for her fidgety behavior and her inability to focus. She was almost diagnosed as mentally disabled! During her screening, the diagnostic doctor put on the radio and asked the mother to talk to him in private outside of the room. They left Jillian alone with the radio on. Looking through the door, they saw Jillian dancing in perfect time and fluidity. The doctor replied, "Your daughter's not sick, she's a dancer." Just as with Jillian, music is an amazing way to focus and redirect excessive energy in a way that is concrete. Imagine how much information kinesthetic people would retain if they were allowed to dance or move their way through curriculum! Imagine if kinesthetic learners found a place where their skills were appreciated. That place is a music school!

2. Linguistic: Music terminology and Lyrics

Music is rich in new vocabulary that the linguist can discover and learn to communicate effectively. Further, singing music can often introduce foreign language in a way that is tangible and has an emotional connection. Look at any teenage girl's Facebook status and you'll see the connection music has to the way we linguistically communicate! What better way to foster that already present connection than through private instruction or songwriting?

3. Interpersonal: Ensemble Work!!

What better way to grow as a community than through ensemble work! Ensembles create an environment of teamwork and trust where everyone relies on each other to perform their part. You have to trust that the others will practice and come in for their entrances.

There is ample research that community building through music benefits both the community and individual. An example of this is Tocar y Luchar. Tocar y Luchar (Play and Fight) is a documentary about the Venezuelan youth orchestra and how it has changed the course of entire communities in South America. On both large and small scales, music brings people together!

4. Intrapersonal: Solo Work

Solo work requires reflection, interpretation, and a lot of alone time to practice. Intrapersonal learners can truly grow through the rewarding experience of presenting their own rendition of a piece of music. Their ability to find solace and growth in alone time only aids in their growth as musician through practice time. Many of history’s greatest composers were intrapersonal learners! 

5. Visual/Spatial: Notation and intervals

The very best musicians must recognize intervals between notes on sheet music quickly and efficiently in order to sight read well and interpret the music they play. Visual learners will excel at reading notation and even writing their own music!

6. Mathematical/Logical: Music is mathematical!

Music is always written in a logical, systematic way that can provide the mathematical/logical mind with unending rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic challenges.

Music is one of very few mediums that can engage all types of learners. For this reason, it is essential to incorporate it into your child’s life. Music is not about performance, it is about the process. It is about engaging as many of our learning proclivities at once as possible. Because of music's unique ability to do just that is why we always say: Music Makes You Smarter!

Stephanie Morey
Voice Instructor - The Real School of Music, Andover
Director of Real School 4 Home School