What is music for neuroplasticity? Combined value on infant development and inclusion

Abstract

Neuroplasticity has been increasingly discussed in phylo-ontogenetic terms the last few years, with a rising number of studies and scientific publications demonstrating its importance in the whole life span learning, development, and well-being domains. This chapter, focusing specifically on the neuroplastic changes happening in the infant brain when provoked from music, attempts to discuss the basic features and principals permeating this connection, bringing to the fore their combined value in terms of enriched development and extended social inclusion. The chapter content offers a steppingstone to both academics and practitioners alike, upon which they can update, ‘rephrase’, and specialize their knowledge in the particular interdisciplinary topic, while further reflecting towards the more sensitive and special in education and development practice contexts.