musical intelligence

Psychology

2022

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

Musical intelligence is important to create music but also to enjoy it.

What is musical intelligence?

According to Theory of multiple intelligences proposed by the American psychologist Howard Gardner in 1983, musical intelligence is one of the different possible forms of human intelligence, related to the individual's ability to perceive, discriminate and express himself through music and musical forms.

Linked to linguistic, spatial and body-kinetic intelligences, musical intelligence is predominant in artists dedicated to music, music critics and those individuals who seem “gifted” for this type of expression.

They are recognized because they are attracted to rhythms, even in the nature, and are comfortable expressing themselves through musical instruments, or even musically using objects intended for something else.

Let us remember that music, as such, is one of the Fine arts, which consists of aesthetic representation through sounds rhythmic, harmonic, orchestrated in a particular way. This involves fundamental notions of math, of corporal expression and other disciplines, even if they occur unconsciously.

Characteristics of musical intelligence

Musical intelligence is often evident in fields related to rhythm, such as the practice of languages ​​(linguistic intelligence), with which it is closely linked. This is because they are modes of intelligence that depend on the ability to perception auditory.

However, musical intelligence also requires a cultural component to develop. This is because music is closely linked to cultural forms of expression, which allows Western music to follow certain trends, different from those of Eastern or African music.

For the rest, the following characteristics are evidence of high musical intelligence:

  • Ease of capturing or expressing musical forms and rhythms.
  • Quick to learn songs and rhythms, or easy to compose them from scratch.
  • Sensitivity enough to pick up a sound that's out of tune, for example an instrument that is out of tune in an ensemble or orchestra.
  • Taste and ability to play instruments, or ability to work with background music.
  • Particular sensitivity to perceive sounds in the environment.

Examples of musical intelligence

Frank Sinatra was one of the few people with perfect pitch.

Logically, people with greater musical intelligence tend to dedicate themselves to music. Performers, singers, composers, dancers, and music critics are perfect examples of this, but it is also possible to find it in simultaneous performers, writers, and other artists.

The few individuals in history with absolute pitch, for example, such as Mozart, Frank Sinatra, Charly García or Jimmy Hendrix, have possessed a very high musical intelligence that allows them to easily perceive musical notes.

How to develop musical intelligence?

Learning to play an instrument is a way to develop musical intelligence.

Some simple activities to encourage musical intelligence are:

  • Regularly attend concerts, recitals, and events where music is the center of attention.
  • Listen to music throughout the day, for example, on public transport.
  • Take classes of dance (especially new rhythms) or learning to play a musical instrument.
  • Learn new languages.
  • Practice mindfulness emphasizing the perception of sounds around you.

Other types of intelligence

Other types of intelligence within the Multiple intelligence theory Gardner's are:

  • Linguistic intelligence. That which links individuals with verbal language, and which facilitates the acquisition and practice of new languages.
  • Logical-mathematical intelligence. That related to the management of formal languages ​​based on the logic and abstract reasoning, such as mathematics.
  • Kinesthetic intelligence. That which has to do with the body and touch, with sensations and movement of the body.
  • Spatial intelligence. That which is related to spaces, that is, with the perception of the size, proportions and physical relationships of things.
  • Interpersonal intelligence. That which is linked to what we traditionally call charisma: the ability to mobilize others, to affect them or to empathize with them.
  • Intrapersonal intelligence. That which, contrary to the previous one, allows the individual a deep understanding of his to be, his interiority and his own world.
  • Naturalistic intelligence. That which links the individual with nature and its dynamics, allowing him to harmonize with them and predict them, simply by paying attention to his environment.
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