Hebbian theory is a neuroscientific theory on learning and synaptic plasticity. Hebbian learning relates to mirror neurons, as it provides a possible theory as to the emergence of mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are neurons, which fire both when the individual themselves in performing an action, as well as when they view others performing the same action. Evidence of mirror neurons was first discovered by Di Pellegrino, Fadiga, Fogassi, Gallese, and Rizzolatti (1992) in a study of macaque monkeys, in particular the detection of audio-visual motor neurons, suggest that premotor areas are involved, both when directly observing actions, as well as when listening to an action related sound. In an fMRI study, Lahav, Saltzman and Schlaug (2007) taught
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Mental rehearsal has consistently been shown to provide some increase performance and provide benefits such as being more practical in regard to ability to practice wherever with out the necessity of instruments while also therefore being more cost-efficient. The same research suggests that it is not as effective as physical rehearsal, possible as a result of lack of feedback, other limitations have been found regarding mental health, suggesting optimal strategies to neutralize these weaknesses; such strategies include short durations of twenty minutes and refresher courses as opposed to continuous duration courses, as the benefits of mental rehearsal has been found to decline and stagnate over time. Specific variables considering both the musician and tasks, such as manner of task, cognitive or physical, as well as the level of expertise of the musician, must be taken into consideration. Overall mental rehearsal may be a benefit to musicians, though considerations must be made both regarding strategy of use and its relevance to the task at hand; the question of whether mental rehearsal is truly necessary when other strategies such as physical practice have been shown to be more effective must also be considered when deciding if and how musicians benefit from mental rehearsal strategies. As most research in this area comes from other fields, such as sports psychology, further research should be implemented into precisely how mental rehearsal may benefit specifically
Mental rehearsal has consistently been shown to provide some increase performance and provide benefits such as being more practical in regard to ability to practice wherever with out the necessity of instruments while also therefore being more cost-efficient. The same research suggests that it is not as effective as physical rehearsal, possible as a result of lack of feedback, other limitations have been found regarding mental health, suggesting optimal strategies to neutralize these weaknesses; such strategies include short durations of twenty minutes and refresher courses as opposed to continuous duration courses, as the benefits of mental rehearsal has been found to decline and stagnate over time. Specific variables considering both the musician and tasks, such as manner of task, cognitive or physical, as well as the level of expertise of the musician, must be taken into consideration. Overall mental rehearsal may be a benefit to musicians, though considerations must be made both regarding strategy of use and its relevance to the task at hand; the question of whether mental rehearsal is truly necessary when other strategies such as physical practice have been shown to be more effective must also be considered when deciding if and how musicians benefit from mental rehearsal strategies. As most research in this area comes from other fields, such as sports psychology, further research should be implemented into precisely how mental rehearsal may benefit specifically