Music education
This research has been compiled by Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL.
Long-term Benefits of Music Study
There are direct correlations between musical training and increased language, reasoning, spatial intelligence, creativity, and problem solving, among other benefits. These are fundamental skills that children take into adulthood and into their workplace, families, and community.
Music study improves language development
A Stanford University study showed that mastering a musical instrument improves brain processing in areas associated with language development, and may have implications for improving language/reading skills (Gabrieli, John, http://news-service.stanford.edu, Nov. 2005). Other research demonstrates that children with music training have significantly better verbal memory than those without such training, and the longer the training, the better the verbal memory (Ho, Y.C., Cheung, M.C., & Chan, A. 2003. Neuropsychology, 12).
Benefits social development
In addition to cognitive skills, study in the arts also helps to develop desirable character traits such as discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and empathy.
Increases IQ
There is a positive correlation between music lessons and IQ in 6-11 year olds. Taking music lessons as a child predicts both academic performance and IQ in young adulthood. (Schellenberg EG. 2006. Journal of Educational Psychology 98(2)).
Enhances nonverbal reasoning and fine motor skills
A Harvard-based study found that practicing a musical instrument in childhood is associated with enhanced verbal ability and nonverbal reasoning. Children who receive instrumental music training for three years or more outperform their control counterparts in areas closely related to music: fine motor skills (both hands) and superior discrimination in melodic/tonal and rhythmic discrimination abilities. (Schlaug, G, Norton, A, Overy, K, Winner, E. 2005 Annals NY Acad of Sciences 1060).