The event was supported by the Department of Culture of the Generalitat, and its aim was to highlight the fundamental role that music education and, specifically, learning an instrument, plays as a neuroprotective tool and as a driver of global development from the earliest stages.
The round table was moderated by the director of the Revista Musical Catalana, Albert Torrens, and included the participation of the head of the Interventional Neuroradiology Unit at the Bellvitge University Hospital, Dr M. Àngels de Miquel; the director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Sant Pau Health Campus Barcelona, Dr Helena Bascuñana; the head of the Neuropsychology Area of the Neurological Stimulation Unit of Barcelona (UEN), Coral Nova; and the professional pianist and composer Ricardo Estrada, who suffered a severe stroke in 2021.
The recovery and rehabilitation process of Ricardo Estrada was the case study for the professionals, who shared their experience with the patient. "We received a young man with a massive brain haemorrhage, who ended up in a coma in the ICU for months," recalled Dr de Miquel. "It is probably thanks to his musical training and neural connections that he is recovering as he is," she added.
"Various studies in neuroscience have shown that exposure to and practice of music in childhood positively affects multiple areas of the brain. Music not only stimulates hearing, but also promotes fine motor skills, sustained attention, working memory, and emotional regulation. This comprehensive training acts as a powerful protective factor against future cognitive decline, while enhancing key skills for children's learning and well-being," explained UIC Barcelona researcher Carolina Estrada.
In her research project, Estrada aims to highlight the importance of music education from early childhood with educational sessions such as the one held at the Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona. According to the lecturer, "music must be placed at the centre of education, not as a complement, but as a fundamental pillar in the construction of healthy, creative, and sensitive individuals."
The event also included the participation of a student from the Faculty of Education Sciences, Patricia Quilarque, who was able to present her Final Degree Project on the initiative of the"Cantatutti" choir from the University of Zaragoza, an inclusive musical choir that sings in sign language. The session ended with a lyrical concert featuring soloists who reflected the essence and artistic impact of Conxita Badia.
With the aim of promoting this musical training and projection, the University is organising the UIC Barcelona Singing Competition in memory of Conxita Badia from 30 September to 3 October, where young lyrical singing talents will have the opportunity to take the stage to promote their artistic careers and compete for cash prizes.
In the words of Carolina Estrada, "Conxita Badia (1897-1975) was committed to musical education as a tool for cultural transmission and human growth. She understood that music should especially reach children at a vital moment when the brain is more plastic and receptive. Her work as a teacher sowed the seeds of a legacy that is still transmitted today through educators who believe in the transformative power of music," concluded the lecturer from UIC Barcelona.
Picture by: Mireia Vall
