The Benefits of Music Education
- Rich Karnuth
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 3
(We moved our blog to this platform- dates may not reflect original posting dates)
Whether your child dreams of becoming the next Beyoncé or just enjoys singing in the shower, the benefits of music education go far beyond the stage. Research shows that learning music helps children grow in ways that support both academic achievement and personal development.
More Than Just Music
Learning music doesn’t only teach children how to sing or play an instrument—it strengthens skills used in other areas of life and education. According to Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, “A music-rich experience of singing, listening, and moving brings very real benefits as children enter more formal learning environments.”
Making music engages the whole body and mind. Kenneth Guilmartin, co-founder of Music Together, an early childhood music development program, explains that children use their ears, eyes, and both large and small muscles when learning music. This kind of full-brain engagement is part of what makes music so impactful.
“Music learning supports all learning,” says Guilmartin. “Not because Mozart makes you smarter, but because music is an integrating, stimulating activity.”
Language Development
For children between the ages of two and nine, music has a powerful effect on language development. “Children are born ready to decode sounds and words,” says Luehrisen. “But music education strengthens those natural abilities. Growing up in a musically rich environment can give kids a real advantage.”
According to the Children’s Music Workshop, music training physically enhances the left side of the brain—the area involved in language processing. It can also help embed new information through rhythm and melody.
Dr. Kyle Pruett, a clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a practicing musician, explains: “Language competence is at the root of social competence. Musical experience strengthens verbal abilities, which are key to social development.”
Boost in IQ
A study led by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto showed that six-year-olds who took weekly piano and voice lessons for nine months experienced a small but measurable IQ increase compared to their peers. Children in a drama group (used as a control for arts exposure) saw social benefits but not the same cognitive gains.
The takeaway? Regular music lessons can give children a mental edge, especially in early school years.
Enhanced Brain Function
Children who study music show different brain activity than those who don’t. Dr. Eric Rasmussen of Johns Hopkins University notes that playing music engages more parts of the brain simultaneously than most other activities.
A study by Ellen Winner (Boston College) and Gottfried Schlaug (Harvard Medical School) found that children who received 15 months of weekly music instruction showed improved sound processing and fine motor skills. Brain scans also revealed changes in the neural networks responsible for these abilities.
Stronger Spatial-Temporal Skills
Music education also helps improve spatial-temporal reasoning—the ability to visualize how different parts fit together. This skill is vital in subjects like math, engineering, architecture, and even computer science.
“We have good data showing that music instruction reliably improves spatial-temporal skills over time,” says Dr. Pruett, co-founder of the Performing Arts Medicine Association.
Improved Academic Performance
A 2007 study by University of Kansas professor Christopher Johnson found that elementary students in schools with high-quality music programs scored about 22% higher in English and 20% higher in math on standardized tests than those in schools with weak music programs. These results held regardless of socioeconomic background.
Johnson attributes this to the discipline and focus required in music training—skills that translate directly into academic success. Luehrisen adds, “Schools with strong arts programs often have strong teachers in other areas. When creativity is encouraged, everyone tends to rise.”
Music training is also linked to stronger memory. Dr. Pruett notes that students with formal music education often show better verbal memory recall.
Being Musical
It’s important to remember that while music education supports learning, it doesn’t automatically make someone smarter. Instead, it builds discipline, fosters creativity, and provides opportunities for self-expression and pride.
As Dr. Pruett puts it: “The real benefits of music education are learning a skill, managing performance, being part of something meaningful, and gaining confidence.”
Conclusion- What are the benefits of music education
Music education nurtures the whole child. It supports brain development, enhances academic and social skills, and encourages a lifelong love of learning. Whether your child becomes a professional musician or not, the benefits of studying music will resonate far beyond the classroom.
Learn more about this topic at:
Music Lessons: https://www.napervillemusic.com/music-lessons
About Naperville Music
Naperville Music has been a trusted music educator in the Chicago area for over 50 years. Naperville Music delivers high caliber private lessons on all instruments as well as voice, with highly experienced instructors who love music and love to teach.
Your first lesson is always FREE !
Naperville Music's qualified and friendly staff are available to discuss your music education needs with no obligation, via email, live chat, phone, or in person.
Naperville Music1-630-355-1404 x106
Comments