Description:  
Approximately 75% of students listen to music as they study. How does this affect learning?  Music is an art form which deals with the representation of emotion through the medium of sound. It can have a physical effect on us because it is closely linked with emotion, perhaps even more so than the abstract nature of words. The number one reason people listen to music is to moderate their emotional state. In a very real sense, music connects us with our inner selves.  Numerous studies leave us in no doubt that music can affect our mood state and stress levels. In fact, a great deal of present research involves the use of music in medical situations to assist recovery rates and induce a desired physiology (usually a lowering) of heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The use of music as an element in medical intervention is an example of creative connection between subject areas. We will explore characteristics of music and personality that effect task performance.
Michael Griffin is an internationally recognized educator, author and pianist. In Australia he was awarded the Education and Arts Ministers’ Prize in 2006 and nominated for a National Teaching Excellence award in 2005. Michael won many significant national and state prizes as a choral and jazz ensemble conductor –including Australia’s premier choral prize, before moving to Dubai with his wife, Rae, where they presently reside. As an international conference presenter, clinician and speaker Michael is in high demand working in up to 20 countries in 2010, and his books on music and learning continue to sell in several countries. Additionally, as a writer he has had a number of professional articles published in specialist magazines in Australia, the UK and the Middle East, including for peak music education body ISME and Rheingold, UK. Trained as a classical pianist, Michael is known for stylistic versatility and recent performances include a residency at Dubai’s iconic Burj al Arab. Michael is most passionate about engaging young people in the wonders of learning.