WORDS AND WATER MUSIC

WORDS AND WATER MUSIC
In 1982, researchers C.A. Hardy, B. Stein and H.L. Totten at the University of North Texas determined to find out if passive listening to music has an effect in the learning process. They examined 300 graduates as they were taught vocabulary words. The group was divided into two groups having the same words administered in the same way, with the exception that one group had Handel’s Music to be Played Upon the Water, or Water Music, playing in the background. The results were concerning to the scientists because the group listening to the Handel did significantly better. They determined to re-administer the test some time later to see if there was any lasting cognitive retention. The results were the same. The results were the same. The group listening to the music retained the information much better than those who did not. Somehow the music aided in the process. Why? We should have enough information at this point to understand why Water Music was helpful, but before we answer that question, let us examine from whence came Handel’s inspiration for the work.