Musical Intelligence

We explain what musical intelligence is, what its characteristics are and how to develop it. Also, other types of intelligence.

What is musical intelligence?

musical intelligence is the ability of a person to perceive, discriminate, transform and express musical forms and to be sensitive to the elements of music, such as melody, harmony or rhythm. People who have this type of intelligence are attracted to the creation and interpretation of music, and enjoy expressing themselves through musical instruments or activities related to sounds.

The concept of musical intelligence was proposed by the American psychologist Howard Gardner (1943) in his theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner described it as one of the forms of intelligence a person can have. His theory includes seven types of intelligence: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, kinesthetic-bodily, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Music is a form of artistic expression that uses sounds organized in a rhythmic and harmonic way. It involves fundamental notions from various disciplines, such as mathematics or biomechanics. Thus, developing musical intelligence strengthens memory and attention, improves interpersonal skills, boosts creativity and increases self-esteem.

Characteristics of people with musical intelligence

Musical intelligence includes skills that are related to linguistic intelligence, such as auditory perception and rhythm. For example, learning a language requires grasping the cadence and intonation of words and discriminating sounds. Therefore, people with high musical intelligence usually show ease in learning other languages.

In general, people with high musical intelligence have the following characteristics:

• Ease when recognizing and remembering sound and rhythmic patterns.
• Speed ​​in learning songs and playing rhythms, or ease in composing them.
• Sensitivity to picking up an out-of-tune sound, for example, an instrument that is out of tune in an ensemble or orchestra.
• Taste and ability to play instruments.
• Particular sensitivity to perceive sounds in the environment.
• Predilection for aesthetic activities related to music.

Examples of musical intelligence

Musical intelligence can be observed in people who demonstrate the ability to create or enjoy music. For example, in the tendency to create melodies spontaneously, in the possibility of remembering rhythms or song lyrics easily, or in the pleasure of carrying out activities with background music.

In general, people with high musical intelligence tend to perform professions related to music as performers, singers, composers, sound engineers, dancers, disc jockeys, orchestra directors, critics and music producers. It is also common for them to carry out other occupations such as dancers, storytellers or music therapists.

Some examples of people universally recognized for their musical talent are Johannes Brahms, Amadeus Mozart, Frank Sinatra, Martha Argerich, Charly García, Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix.

Activities to develop musical intelligence

The development of musical intelligence requires exposure to different cultural expressions that enrich understanding and appreciation of music and allow skills to expand.

Some simple activities to encourage musical intelligence are:

1. Participate in musical events Regularly attend concerts or recitals in which music is the center of attention.
2. Listen to music. Listen to different types of musical styles actively, paying attention to instruments and structures.
3. Dance. Take dance classes (especially different rhythms).
4. Take music classes. Learn to play an instrument or attend classes on music theory.
5. Sing. Participate in choirs or sing individually to improve expression.
6. Play musical games. Participate in recreational activities that involve sounds, rhythms or song lyrics.
7. Mindfulness Practice mindfulness exercises emphasizing the perception of the sounds around you.

Other types of intelligence

The other types of intelligence that are part of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences are:

• Linguistic intelligence . It is the ability to acquire and use oral or written language effectively.
• musical intelligence It is the ability to perceive, appreciate and express rhythmic patterns and musical forms.
• Logical-mathematical intelligence. It is the ability to use numbers to solve problems and think logically.
• Kinesthetic-body intelligence. It is the ability to handle tools related to body movement and touch.
• Spatial intelligence . It is the ability to perceive and understand spaces, such as the perception of the size of objects and proportions.
• Interpersonal intelligence . It is the ability to understand and relate to other people, through communication and empathy.
• intrapersonal intelligence . It is the ability to know oneself and understand one's own emotions and motivations.

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References

• Gardner, H. (1994). Structures of the mind. The theory of multiple intelligences. Economic Culture Fund.
• Parra Montero, J. and Pacheco Ruiz, M. (2014). Musical intelligence: A universal language. Education and Future, (31), 137-161. https://cesdonbosco.com