The OSM music students will benefit greatly from the
research project.
Photo:Supplied
An interdisciplinary research project between the Odeion School of Music (OSM) and the Department of Neurology at the University of the Free State (UFS) is utilising the Halo Neurosport system in the training of OSM students.
The Halo Neuro system was originally developed for athletes, using a specially designed app-controlled headset. “We didn’t hesitate to acquire the system, because me and my colleagues, Dr Frelet de Villiers and Elsabé Raath, believed that it could be of great benefit to our students,” says Marius Coetzee, Innovation and Development Manager at the OSM.
The research project will be conducted in two phases. The first phase is in collaboration with Prof Anandan Moodley, Head of the Department of Neurology. Also forming part of this phase, is the research by Dr De Villiers on pianists, while Elsabé Raath will focus on strings.
Research to focus on pianists and strings
“During the first phase, the pianists and strings will each be divided into two groups,” says Coetzee. Everyone has to learn selected music within four weeks – one group applying the system in five sessions a week, while the other group will apply the system in sham mode. The students will not be aware of who is being neuroprimed with the fully functional Halo Neuro apparatus, and who is rehearsing with the Halo Neuro apparatus adjusted to the sham mode.
This will be followed by a four-week cooling-off period where the musicians will rehearse the repertoire as usual without the Neuro system.
"The key is to activate the feasible muscle control to perform the correct actions. The neuro-stimulation activates the brain quicker to master physical skills, technique, motor sequences, and the transmission of rhythmic motor patterns in music.”
“The result is more precise kinetic movements that improve technique, the repertoire is learned and memorised faster, as well as better control over the instrument. This is what all musicians strive for and why they spend so many hours, days, and years in rehearsal rooms. Hopefully, the system will help reduce those many hours,” says Coetzee.
The second phase, with a duration of four months, will consist of studying another repertoire with the application of the Halo Neuro system. “Before and after each phase, each participant will undertake electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.”
If the research is proven to be successful with the pianists and strings, it will be expanded to other instruments and ensembles,” Coetzee says.
The research is made possible by financial support from the OSM, the UFS Student Culture Office, the Department of Neurology, and the Centre for Teaching and Learning.