The Power of Art on the Brain – Neuroarts in Action at Duke Ellington School of the Arts

In Your Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen outlines four core concepts of neuroarts that highlight the relationship between art and brain function. Here’s how these concepts relate to each of the departments at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts:

1. Engagement:

   This concept emphasizes the importance of active participation in artistic activities. Engagement stimulates neural pathways and enhances cognitive function.

   • Cinematic Arts and Media Production: Students actively participate in storytelling, editing, and directing, fostering engagement through collaborative projects.

   • Dance: Active movement engages both body and mind, enhancing coordination and cognitive skills through physical expression.

   • Instrumental Music: Learning to play an instrument requires focused practice and engagement, strengthening neural connections related to memory and motor skills.

   • Museum Studies: Students engage with art and artifacts, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of cultural contexts.

   • Technical Design and Production: Hands-on involvement in creating sets and managing production encourages problem-solving and teamwork.

   • Theater: Acting and rehearsing involve deep engagement, enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

   • Visual Arts: Creating art encourages deep focus and mindfulness, stimulating creativity and cognitive development.

   • Vocal Music: Singing and performing require engagement with music theory and emotional expression, enhancing memory and social interaction.

   2. Flow:

   This concept refers to a state of immersion and focus that enhances creativity and performance.

   • Cinematic Arts and Media Production: Students often enter a state of flow while editing or creating films, fostering deep concentration and creativity.

   • Dance: The physicality of dance can induce flow, allowing students to lose themselves in movement and rhythm.

   • Instrumental Music: Playing an instrument can lead to flow, where students experience heightened focus and enjoyment in the music-making process.

   • Museum Studies: Research and curation can create flow, as students become deeply involved in their projects and exploration.

   • Technical Design and Production: Designing and building sets requires sustained focus, allowing students to experience flow in their creative processes.

   • Theater: Performing can induce flow, as actors become fully immersed in their roles and the narrative.

   • Visual Arts: Creating art often leads to flow states, where artists lose track of time and become fully absorbed in their work.

   • Vocal Music: Singing, especially in ensemble settings, can create a sense of flow, enhancing emotional and social connectivity.

   3. Connection:

   This concept underscores the importance of social and emotional connections in artistic expression, enhancing well-being.

   • Cinematic Arts and Media Production: Collaboration on projects fosters social connections and teamwork, enhancing communication skills.

   • Dance: Group performances and classes build a sense of community and collaboration among students.

   • Instrumental Music: Playing in ensembles promotes connection through shared musical experiences and teamwork.

   • Museum Studies: Interaction with peers and professionals fosters connections to the art world and enhances cultural understanding.

   • Technical Design and Production: Collaborating on productions builds strong bonds among team members, enhancing social skills and communication.

   • Theater: Acting requires deep emotional connection with characters and fellow actors, fostering empathy and teamwork.

   • Visual Arts: Group critiques and collaborative projects encourage connections and feedback among peers.

   • Vocal Music: Choir and vocal ensembles build connections through shared performance and emotional expression.

   4. Creativity:

   This concept highlights the role of creativity in problem-solving and innovative thinking, which can be enhanced through artistic practices.

   • Cinematic Arts and Media Production: Students develop creative storytelling techniques, enhancing innovative thinking and problem-solving.

   • Dance: Choreography encourages creative expression and exploration of movement, fostering original thought.

   • Instrumental Music: Composing and improvising music develops creative skills and encourages innovative approaches to musical expression.

   • Museum Studies: Students apply creativity in curating exhibitions and interpreting art, promoting critical thinking.

   • Technical Design and Production: Creative solutions are essential in design and production, enhancing problem-solving skills.

   • Theater: Playwriting and character development encourage students to think creatively and explore new narratives.

   • Visual Arts: The visual arts inherently promote creativity, allowing students to express themselves through various mediums and techniques.

   • Vocal Music: Composing and arranging music fosters creativity, encouraging students to explore new musical ideas.

These four core concepts of neuroarts are deeply integrated into the educational experiences at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, enhancing students' cognitive, emotional, and social development through their diverse artistic disciplines.

Note: Driven Performance Team specializes in people development and other programs designed to empower high-performing workplaces. Contact the team to get started using either our information form here or by email.

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