The positive effect of music on spatial-temporal reasoning has been demonstrated in college students using coherence analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings at the Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory and Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine CA. Right frontal and left temporo-parietal coherent EEG activity was induced by listening to 10 minutes of Mozart (Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major), and enhancement of spatial-temporal reasoning was carried over in 3 of 7 subjects. The long-lasting coherent EEG pattern might indicate structured sequences occurring in cortical function and extending over minutes. [1]
COMMENT. Spatial-temporal reasoning is required for chess, mathematics and music appreciation. Exposure to music, specifically Mozart, has been found to enhance cortical activity used in spatial-temporal reasoning, whereas relaxation tapes and minimalist music had no effect. EEG coherence correlates to complex higher brain function, and patterns of cortical activity induced by listening to Mozart carry over to tasks involving spatial-temporal reasoning.