Mozart Music, Played in the Background, Improves
Physiology, Behavior and Coordination

In a study by Anne Savan, students who were characterized as having behavioral and emotional problems showed improvements in physiology, behavior, and coordination while listening to Mozart music in the background In her study, ten boys, ages 11 and 12 years, listened to music written by Wolfgang Mozart while participating in a science lesson. Several physiological tests were utilized, such as blood pressure, body temperature and heart beat. The results indicated a decrease in all three measures while listening to the music. In addition, Savan reported improvements in behavior (i.e., reduction in aggression and frustration) and coordination.

Since the limbic system is one of the structures activated when listening to music and has some control over blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate, Savan speculated that the Mozart music may have stimulated the limbic system, which in turn, produced a chemical that slowed down the body's metabolism.

Reference: Savan, A. (1999). The effect of background music on learning. Psychology of Music, 27, 138-146.

This article appeared in The Sound Connection, Vol. 9, No. 2, 2002. The Sound Connection is published quarterly by the Society for Auditory Intervention Techniques (P.O. Box 4538, Salem, OR 97302). You can also visit SAIT's web site at: www.sait.org