The “Mozart effect” is a studied phenomenon that analyzes the effect of classical music on short-term memory and the performance of temporal reasoning. Scientists believe that Mozart’s two-piano concertos contain such complex musicianship that it can actually affect reasoning. Experimentation started with Gordon Shaw at the University of California at Irvine in 1988. He studied the effects music had on the brain. Shaw found that brain activity resembled musical notes during his observation. He thought since brain activity could resemble music, it might also be possible for music to help stimulate brain activity. Shaw’s experimentation brought about other scientists to test his theory, which has made his claims even stronger. The “Mozart Effect” is still unproven but, because of continuous experiments and developments, it is believed that complex music can affect the brain's development and decision making positively.
Stress is a common problem with women during pregnancy because of the long, physically demanding process it entails. Studies have been conducted that provide proof that listening to certain types of “soothing” music (classical music) can decrease high stress levels. The Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan conducted experiments that provided clear evidence of the effects of classical music on the stress levels of pregnant women. Findings of the 2008 study were published in "The Journal of Clinical Nursing" and explained how the experiment separated a group of pregnant woman (all in their second or third trimesters) in which one group received the normal procedure for pregnancy care and the other group received two CDs, one filled with lullabies and the other with classical music. The group who received the classical music as a pregnancy care procedure documented a significant decrease in stress compared to the group that received the normal care.
Music is a powerful influence for a child's development. Expert studies have been done to prove that children who use classical music while studying have higher test scores than those who do not. Classical music was rated against other lyrical music genres such as rap, country, soul and rhythm and blues. Children who listened to Bach and Mozart showed an impressive increase in reading comprehension skills, retaining information and communication skills. Children suffering from ADD/ADHD have also been studied. It has been documented that listening to classical music while studying will give a child an increased concentration level.