Scientific Studies Showing the Benefits of Music Lessons For Children (With Citations)

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the positive impact of music lessons on children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Music education has been shown to enhance various aspects of intelligence, foster creativity, improve self-esteem, and promote social skills. In this discussion, we will explore some of these studies and their findings, emphasizing the importance of music lessons in children's lives.

Before we proceed, please note that music is not the only activity that promotes well-being in children, and that the primary reason for pursuing music is that it is a worthwhile activity in of itself. It is socially rewarding, provides a way for musicians to express themselves and experience emotions, provides a fun social outlet, and can be a wonderful tool in worship. Music shouldn’t be pursued as purely a scientific exercise!

But that said, here is a collection of scientific studies showing the benefits of music education. If you are looking for children’s music classes in Freehold, NJ, please get in touch. I also teach piano lessons and organ lessons to students of all ages.

Scientific Studies Showing the Benefits of Music Lessons For Children

Improvements in Motor and Auditory Skills

A groundbreaking study by Schlaug, Norton, Overy, and Winner (2005) found that children who received instrumental music training exhibited significant improvements in motor and auditory skills compared to those who did not receive music training. The researchers discovered that music training led to structural changes in the brain, specifically in regions associated with motor and auditory processing. This study suggests that music lessons not only enhance children's musical abilities but also promote brain development and neuroplasticity.

(Source: 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, 219-230.)

Music Helps With Spatial-Temporal Reasoning

Another study by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky (1993) examined the relationship between music training and spatial-temporal reasoning skills in children. The researchers found that children who received piano instruction scored significantly higher on spatial-temporal tasks than those who did not receive music training. This phenomenon, known as the "Mozart effect," suggests that music lessons can enhance children's spatial-temporal intelligence, which is crucial for success in fields such as mathematics, science, and engineering.

(Source: Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K. N. (1993). Music and spatial task performance. Nature, 365(6447), 611.)

Music Can Help Academic Achievement

A more recent study by Moreno et al. (2011) investigated the effects of music training on children's cognitive skills and academic achievement. The researchers found that children who participated in a music program exhibited greater improvements in verbal intelligence and executive functions, such as attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility, than those who did not participate in the program. These findings suggest that music lessons can significantly enhance children's cognitive abilities and academic performance.

(Source: Moreno, S., Bialystok, E., Barac, R., Schellenberg, E. G., Cepeda, N. J., & Chau, T. (2011). Short-term music training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function. Psychological Science, 22(11), 1425-1433.)

Does Music Promote Emotional Well-Being in Kids?

In addition to cognitive benefits, music lessons have also been shown to promote emotional well-being in children. A study by Rickard et al. (2013) found that children who participated in music lessons exhibited greater improvements in self-esteem and mental health compared to those who did not receive music training. The researchers concluded that music education can play a vital role in fostering children's emotional development and overall well-being.

(Source: Rickard, N. S., Appelman, P., James, R., Murphy, F., Gill, A., & Bambrick, C. J. (2013). Orchestrating life skills: The effect of increased school-based music classes on children's social competence and self-esteem. International Journal of Music Education, 31(3), 292-309.)

Music Can Offer a Place of Belonging

Music lessons have also been found to enhance children's social skills and promote a sense of belonging. A study by Kirschner and Tomasello (2010) demonstrated that children who engaged in musical activities, such as singing and playing instruments together, exhibited greater prosocial behavior and cooperation than those who did not participate in such activities. These findings highlight the importance of music education in fostering social development and cultivating a sense of community in children.

For more information about piano lessons in Monroe Township, organ lessons in NYC, or anything else regarding John Cavicchio’s studio, please get in touch!