2004 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Heart rate and brainwave function when learning with "words" and "actions" : Universality within the Japanese traditional performing arts.
| Project/Area Number |
15604010
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
表象芸術
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| Research Institution | Mie University |
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Principal Investigator |
NAKANISHI Satoko Mie University, Faculty of Education, Professor, 教育学部, 教授 (20093122)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2003 – 2004
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| Keywords | Transmission of Japanese traditional performing arts / Heart rate / Brainwave / Musical perception / "Actions" and "form" / "Words" and "kuchishoga" |
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| Research Abstract |
Students of Japanese traditional performing arts learn rhythms and melodies using "words" and "actions". These "words" are referred to as kuchishogta, and are used in conjunction with the "actions" that shape the performance, to teach each particular art. In this research, I attempted to establish a relationship between this "words" and "actions" teaching method and musical understanding, through experiments using wadaiko (Japanese drums). I investigated the relationship between level of musical understanding and heart rate by fitting one beginner and one experienced player with heart rate monitors and recording changes in their heart rates while they played rhythm A in group practice sessions. Later, I measured and recorded heart rate and brainwave activity in six amateur players of differing experience, while listening to rhythm B. I used this data to investigate how the players' level of musical experience influenced the way they perceived the music. In addition, I measured the brainwave activity of the players when listening to arrangements based on rhythm A and B, and compared this data to that obtained from subjects who had never learned these rhythms.
Regarding heart rate while playing rhythm A, the result showed that after repeated practice, the beginner's heart rate approached that of the experienced player. With rhythm B, the difference between the heart rates of the six subjects decreased as they learned. From these results we can suggest that when learning with "words" and "actions" in a group setting, there is a relationship between musical understanding and heart rate.
Regarding brainwave activity when listening to rhythm B, the result showed great individual variation, and no correlation was found between level of experience and alpha or beta wave, nor sympathetic or parasympathetic nerve activity. However, a large percentage of subjects were observed to enter a state of relaxation when listening to wadaiko.
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Research Products
(2 results)
