Music Learning for Children
On this page I have collected a selection of published academic studies which investigate the positive effects of music-making on children’s development.
There are five areas listed:
General IQ & Academic Achievement
Spatial-temporal Reasoning
Verbal Intelligence & Reasoning
Structural Brain Development
Co-operation & Empathy
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1. General IQ & Academic Achievement
Source: Music Lessons Enhance IQ
Journal: Psychological Science (2004)
Author: Schellenberg, E. G.Real-world application: Measurable increases in general intelligence and overall school performance.
The finding: In this highly cited randomized controlled trial, 144 six-year-olds were given either keyboard lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons, or no lessons for a year. The children in the music groups exhibited significantly larger increases in full-scale IQ (measuring both verbal and non-verbal intelligence) compared to the drama and control groups.
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2. Spatial-Temporal Reasoning
Source: Music training causes long-term enhancement of preschool children's spatial-temporal reasoning
Journal: Neurological Research (1997)
Author: Rauscher, F. H., et al.Real-world application: Better comprehension of proportional maths, fractions, and geometry.
The finding: This study found that preschoolers who received keyboard lessons for six months improved their spatial-temporal reasoning (the ability to mentally manipulate objects and understand proportions) by 34% compared to children who received computer lessons or no training. This type of reasoning is essential for higher-level math and science.
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3. Verbal Intelligence & Reading
Source: Short-Term Music Training Enhances Verbal Intelligence and Executive Function
Journal: Psychological Science (2011)
Author: Moreno, S., et al.Real-world application: Faster reading acquisition and improved ability to decode words.
The finding: Researchers assigned children (ages 4–6) to either a music-training program or a visual-arts program. After just 20 days of training, the children in the music group showed significant improvements in verbal intelligence and executive function (specifically, the ability to quickly process and respond to auditory information), which are critical foundational skills for reading.
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4. Structural Brain Development
Source: Musical Training Shapes Structural Brain Development
Journal: The Journal of Neuroscience (2009)
Author: Hyde, K. L., et al.Real-world application: Physical growth in motor and auditory brain regions, including the corpus callosum.
The finding: This study used MRI scans to track children over 15 months. The researchers found that children who received weekly music lessons showed actual structural brain changes—specifically increased volume in areas linked to motor and auditory processing, and a strengthening of the corpus callosum (the bridge between the left and right brain)—that the control group did not show.
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5. Cooperation & Empathy
Source: Joint music making promotes prosocial behavior in 4-year-old children
Journal: Evolution and Human Behavior (2010)
Author: Kirschner, S., & Tomasello, M.Real-world application: Increased willingness to help others, cooperate, and work as a team.
The finding: This fascinating study demonstrated that children who participated in active, synchronized group music-making were significantly more likely to help a peer in need and cooperate on tasks afterward compared to children who participated in a similar social activity that did not involve music. The shared rhythm and goal of music naturally foster empathy and group cohesion.