Gardner first defined the seven areas of intelligence in 1983 as an alternative to IQ tests. The seven areas are verbal, visual, physical, musical, mathematical, introspective, and interpersonal intelligence. Music relates to all seven areas of intelligence. Musicians use verbal intelligence for writing lyrics, visual intelligence for imagining music, physical intelligence through dancing and playing instruments, and musical intelligence is most directly applied. Mathematical intelligence helps with rhythms, patterns, and music theory. Introspective intelligence aids in self-analysis and improvisation. Interpersonal intelligence supports ensemble playing and understanding emotions in music. Overall, music engages both sides of the brain and statistically enhances intelligence.
2. The seven areas of intelligence were
first defined by Psychologist Howard
Gardner in 1983
Students used to take IQ tests at young ages (they were
not very effective)
Gardner thought that this was a very poor way to judge
someone’s intelligence
5. Verbal Intelligence
To be able to use words
People who have
this type of
intelligence enjoy
writing, telling
stories, expanding
their vocabulary, or
doing crossword
puzzles
Have an easy time
memorizing, singing,
and writing songs or
poetry
6. Visual Intelligence
The ability to imagine things in
your mind
Some people with this intelligence
can picture things in their mind and
reproduce them on paper
Acute attention to detail
7. This type helps musicians hear
and “picture” music in their minds to
effectively recreate it
Musicians have strong attention to
detail
Can be a judge of whether music or
art is good or bad
8. Physical Intelligence
The ability to use your body in various
situations
Learn best through bodily movement
Usually excel in dancing and sports
Musicians are very physical
people
Rocking back and forth while we
play
Dancing to beats
Tapping our feet; snapping
9. Musical Intelligence
The ability to use, understand, and
reproduce music
Not limited to musicians
People with this intelligence work
better while listening to music, can
tap in time to music they hear, or can
match pitch or do “call and response”
exercises well
Also make little songs to memorize
hard concepts similar to what The
Sound of Music did to help people
memorize Solfege
10. Hugh Lauriepiano, guitar,
voice
Meryl Streep- violin
Mark Twain- piano
Clint Eastwoodpiano;
Kevin Bacon- guitar
Charlie Chaplinaccordion
Julia Roberts- clarinet
and oboe
Bruce Willis- harmonica
Richard Dawkinsclarinet
Johnny Carsondrums
Jamie Foxx- piano
and voice
Alyssa Milano- piano
and flute
Hugh Jackman- Piano, guitar,
violin
Albert Einstein- violin, piano
11. Mathematical Intelligence
The ability to apply logic to
systems and numbers
What does math have to do with
music?
Rhythmic divisions
Overtone series
Pitches
Time signatures
Good at deciphering
patterns and organizing
concepts
Musicians apply this when
learning music theory,
sequences, and tough
13. Very critical of
themselves
Can break down
complicated ideas- like
complicated rhythms
and melodies
Musicians use this for
improvisation and lyrical
analysis
14. Interpersonal/Emotio
nal Intelligence
The ability to understand other
people and relate well to them
Musicians use this to
work well together in
ensembles
Good at mixing with other
people and making friends
15. EMPATHY
Musicians are very empathic people because
we are always interpreting meanings behind
songs and tapping into our own emotional
sides
16. Music is the only thing that
encompasses every single area of
intelligence
Statistically, musicians are
smarter than the rest of the
population
17. Both sides of our brains are
active when we are making
music
Our brain activity can measure higher
than engineers chipping away at a new
discovery or even soccer players racing
down the field and calculating their next