Myth: Mozart effect

Myth

Mozart effect. Listening to Mozart increases intelligence.

Fact

Mozart was one of the greatest musical geniuses in history. His music might be used in musicality training and produce far better neural effects than, say, today's pop music. However, Mozart's impact on neural growth cannot be verifiably judged better than that of solving cross-word puzzles, singing, playing soccer or learning chemistry. To a philistine, Mozart may do as much good as a recitation of Goethe's poems to a baboon. Neither is listening to Mozart superior to listening to your favorite pieces of music for the sake of boosting "happy brain messengers". Mozart has been cannibalized by the accelerated learning industry as a simple way towards a quick buck. Few gimmicks are as simple as packaging a Mozart CD with a label "Learn 10 times faster". Mozart Effect powerfully illustrates the myth-making power of money. This power has also spawned other cheap "learning solutions" such as learning while sleeping, learning while relaxing, or memory-boosting supplements. Regrettably, even highly respected and reputable websites, journals or TV program fall prey to these catchy memes. Your vigilance needs to triple in these areas

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