Top 10 Scientifically-Proven Benefits of Music Education!

Benefit #1 - Improved Academic Performance

Studies have shown that students who participate in music education tend to have higher grades and standardized test scores, particularly in math and language arts. Research has found that music education can improve academic performance in general, as it may enhance cognitive skills such as spatial-temporal ability and phonological processing, which are important for math and language arts. In addition, research has found that there is a relationship between music education and academic achievement, as students who participate in music education tend to score higher on standardized tests.

Benefit #2 - Increased Self-Esteem & Confidence

Participating in music education can boost self-esteem and confidence, as students learn new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. Whether mastering a new instrument or applying new music techniques or performing in front of an audience, especially in a performance ensemble, like choir, band, orchestra, these powerful experiences can give students a sense of pride and achievement. Studies have found that music education can improve self-esteem and confidence in young children, as it provides opportunities for students to succeed and be recognized for their efforts.

Benefit #3 - Enhanced Motor Skills & Coordination

Music education can improve fine and gross motor skills, as it involves both physical movement and hand-eye coordination. For example, playing an instrument may require students to use their fingers and hands to manipulate buttons, keys, or strings, which can improve fine motor skills. Or in a choir setting, the attention to detail of vowel pronunciation, vocal resonance, and the use of Kodaly hand signs are powerful connections that require great coordination. In addition, dancing or moving to music can improve gross motor skills, as it requires students to use their entire bodies to move and coordinate with the beat. Studies have found that music education can improve motor skills and coordination in young children.

Benefit #4 - Improved Social skills & Teamwork

In a time where social connectivity is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, music education, in particular, can help students develop social skills and teamwork, as it requires cooperation and collaboration with others. For example, playing music in a performance ensemble requires students to listen to each other, communicate effectively, and work together to create a cohesive sound. Studies have found that music education can improve social skills and teamwork in children and young children, as it provides opportunities for students to interact with and support each other.

Benefit #5 - Enhanced Cognitive Development

Music education has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive development in children. Research has found that music education can improve spatial-temporal skills, which are important for math and science. These skills involve the ability to think about and manipulate objects in space and time, and they are important for tasks such as mental rotation, which is the ability to rotate an object in one's mind. Music education may also improve language and literacy skills, as it has been found to improve phonological processing, which is the ability to process and manipulate sounds in language. This is especially important for tasks such as learning how to read and spell.

Benefit #6 - Increased Creativity & Self-Expression

It goes without saying that music is inherently a deeply creative activity. However, music education in particular can encourage creativity and self-expression in students, as it provides a way for them to communicate their emotions and ideas through sound and movement. Studies have found that music education can improve creative thinking in children, as it allows them to explore different sounds, rhythms, and melodies and to express themselves in unique ways. Music education may also encourage self-expression, as it gives students a way to communicate their feelings and experiences through music.

Benefit #7 - Enhanced Memory & Comprehension

Music education has been shown to improve memory and learning in both children and adults. More specifically, a 2008 study found that music education can improve verbal memory, which is the ability to remember spoken information. This is important for tasks such as learning a new language or memorizing a list of items. Music education may also improve visual memory, which is the ability to remember visual information, such as images or diagrams. Additionally, research has found that listening to music can improve verbal memory in adults. This may be because music engages multiple areas of the brain and can increase the activity of neurotransmitters involved in learning and memory.

Benefit #8 - Improved Discipline & Focus

Music education can improve discipline and focus, as it requires students to pay attention to detail and practice regularly. Whether learning to sing, play an instrument, or read music, all of these skills require students to follow instructions, practice techniques and concentrate for extended periods of time. Studies have found that music education can improve discipline and focus in young children, as it requires students to develop self-regulation and attention skills. Music education may also improve working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind while working on a task. This is important for tasks such as solving math problems or reading comprehension. So if you're looking to improve your discipline and focus, or if you have a child who struggles with these skills, music education may be a great option to consider.

Benefit #9 - Enhanced Emotional Intelligence

Music education can help students develop emotional intelligence, as it allows them to express and understand emotions through sound and movement. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others and is an important skill in personal and professional relationships, as it can contribute to effective problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Studies have found that music education can improve emotional intelligence in young children, as it provides opportunities for students to express and interpret emotions through music.

Benefit #10 - Increased Cultural Awareness & Appreciation

Since music is a deeply human practice that traverses time and various cultures, music education can help students learn about and appreciate different cultures and traditions, as it exposes them to a wide range of musical styles and instruments from around the world. Music students often learn about the history and cultural significance of different musical genres, such as blues, jazz, classical music, rock, hip-hop, and other contemporary styles of music. Music classes give students the opportunity to learn about a variety of musical instruments, whether percussion instruments from Africa or stringed instruments from Asia, exposure to the history of various genres and instrumentation can broaden their understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Studies have found that music education can increase cultural awareness and appreciation in children, as it provides opportunities for students to learn about and experience different musical traditions.