What is The Mozart Effect?
A. The Mozart Effect is an inclusive term signifying the transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being. It represents the general use of music to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety; induce relaxation or sleep; activate the body; and improve memory or awareness. Innovative and experimental uses of music and sound can improve listening disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, autism, and other mental and physical disorders and injuries.
(For more details, see The Mozart Effect, pages 27-30.)
Q. What is the history of The Mozart Effect?
A. Research with Mozart's music began in France in the late 1950s when Dr. Alfred Tomatis began his experiments in auditory stimulation for children with speech and communication disorders. By 1990, there were hundreds of centers throughout the world using Mozart's music containing high frequencies, especially the violin concertos and symphonies, to help children with dyslexia, speech disorders, and autism. In the 1990's experiments were begun at the University of California in Irvine with Mozart's music and spacial intelligence assessments. As recently as 2001, new studies in England use Mozart's music to study its effect on epilepsy.
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