Music, sociality, and digital technology

Abstract

This essay starts by reviewing the neurological basis of music and its relationship to language, touching on the implication from the study of the Amazonian Pirahã language that language evolved from music. Next the strong social aspects of music are outlined, and the social benefit of musical exposure in early chilhood, and the related implications for rehabilitative education, outlined. Four radio broadcasts about music education by two trained music teachers, available on the Web, are then summarised. The conclusions drawn are that early music education is of fundamental importance, and that digital technology can be applied in such education very effectively.