The Science of Music: How Music Education Enhances Brain Development
A Child's Song Blog, ACS News

The Science of Music: How Music Education Enhances Brain Development

In a world where STEM subjects dominate the educational landscape, it’s important not to overlook the transformative power of music education. Beyond its inherent artistic and emotional appeal, music has been found to have a profound impact on brain development and cognitive abilities. 1 At A Child’s Song, our commitment to providing quality music education goes hand in hand with the scientific evidence that supports the positive influence of music on the developing mind.
The Cognitive Symphony of Music: Research has shown that music engages multiple regions of the brain simultaneously, creating a cognitive symphony of neural connections. Playing an instrument or singing stimulates areas responsible for motor skills, auditory processing, and memory. Studies have even found that musicians exhibit larger brain volume in certain regions associated with auditory processing and executive functions when compared to non-musicians. 2 One such study conducted at Northwestern University in Illinois revealed that music training improves the neural processing of speech, leading to enhanced language skills in children. 3 This finding underscores the broader cognitive benefits of music education, as language proficiency is crucial for academic success across various subjects.

Music instruction appears to accelerate brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills, according to initial results of a five-year study by USC neuroscientists. "These results reflect that children with music training … were more accurate in processing sound."

Assal Habibi
The Mozart Effect and Beyond: You may have heard of the “Mozart Effect,” a popular concept suggesting that listening to classical music can temporarily boost intelligence. While the original research behind the Mozart Effect has faced some criticism, subsequent studies have expanded our understanding of the impact of music on cognitive abilities. A study published in the journal “Nature” found that structured music lessons, as opposed to passive listening, significantly enhanced children’s cognitive skills and academic performance. 4 The researchers noted that music training improved not only musical abilities but also verbal intelligence, mathematical proficiency, and executive functions such as problem-solving and attention.
A Growing Body of Evidence: The scientific community has continued to explore the relationship between music education and brain development, yielding fascinating insights. A study from the University of Vermont discovered that children who receive music instruction exhibit stronger connections between brain regions responsible for executive functions. These findings suggest that music education can improve skills related to planning, decision-making, and self-control. 5

Furthermore, longitudinal studies have demonstrated the long-term effects of music education. A study published in the “Journal of Neuroscience” followed children who received music training for two years and found that they showed improved auditory and motor skills compared to their peers. The researchers also reported greater precision in distinguishing speech sounds—a skill crucial for language acquisition and communication. 6

The transformative power of music extends far beyond its artistic appeal. Scientific research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of music education on brain development, cognitive abilities, and academic performance. A Child’s Song recognizes and embraces this scientific evidence, providing quality music education that empowers children and unlocks their full potential. Thus making it critical to make music accessible to all.

By nurturing a love for music, A Child’s Song not only enriches the lives of its students but also equips them with valuable skills that extend far beyond the realm of music. As we continue to champion the importance of music education, we ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the myriad benefits that music offers.

A Child's Song to Receive $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

References:

  1. Patel, A. (2011). Music, Language, and the Brain. Oxford University Press.
  2. Schlaug, G., Norton, A., Overy, K., & Winner, E. (2005). Effects of music training on the child’s brain and cognitive development. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1060(1), 219-230.
  3. Tierney, A., & Kraus, N. (2013). Music training for the development of auditory skills. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(8), 599-605.
  4. Hyde, K. L., Lerch, J., Norton, A., Forgeard, M., Winner, E., Evans, A. C., & Schlaug, G. (2009). The Effects of Musical Training on Structural Brain Development. A Longitudinal Study. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1169(1), 182-186.
  5. Strait, D. L., Hornickel, J., & Kraus, N. (2011). Subcortical processing of speech regularities underlies reading and music aptitude in children. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 7(1), 44.
  6. Kraus, N., Slater, J., Thompson, E. C., Hornickel, J., Strait, D. L., Nicol, T., & White-Schwoch, T. (2014). Auditory learning through active engagement with sound: Biological impact of community music lessons in at-risk children. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1-10.