Music Play is an important activity that parents are encouraged to practice with their children through Right Brain Education. As our children grow older, we can further their musical development with formal lessons. However, as every parent knows, there are so many activities that children can engage in and only so many hours in a day. Why should we choose music over another activity? In this post, we will explore those reasons.
Learning music offers broad developmental, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for children. The benefits extend far beyond simply gaining musical skill. Research across neuroscience, education, and psychology consistently shows that music training supports brain development, learning, and character growth.
Cognitive and Academic Benefits of Learning Music
1. Improved Brain Development
- Music training strengthens neural connections, especially in areas related to language, memory, and executive function (the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember details, and multitask to achieve goals).
- MRI studies (e.g. Schlaug et al., 2005; Hyde et al., 2009) show that musically trained children have:
- a larger corpus callosum (the communication between the two halves of our brains which is responsible for supporting functions like coordination, motor control, sensory processing, and higher-level cognitive processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving); and
- enhanced auditory and motor cortex development (for processing sounds and movement).
2. Language and Reading Skills
- Learning to discriminate pitch and rhythm sharpens phonological awareness (a key skill for reading).
- Studies (e.g. Patel, 2011; Tierney & Kraus, 2013) show that music learners process speech sounds more accurately and have better listening comprehension.
3. Math and Spatial-Temporal Reasoning
- Music strengthens the brain’s ability to recognize patterns and sequences.
- Spatial-temporal reasoning, which is required in math, science, and problem-solving, improves with musical training (Rauscher & Shaw, 1997; Hetland, 2000 meta-analysis).
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Learning Music
1. Builds Discipline and Perseverance (Grit): regular practice teaches focus, patience, and persistence (qualities that transfer to academic and personal success).
2. Supports a Growth Mindset: children learn that improvement comes from their efforts and practice, not innate talent (this reinforces the belief that abilities can grow).
3. Enhances Emotional Regulation: playing or listening to music helps children express and manage emotions, reducing stress and anxiety (Rickard et al., 2005).
Social and Communication Benefits of Learning Music
1. Teamwork and Cooperation: playing music as part of a band, choirs, or ensemble teaches children to listen, coordinate, and collaborate with others.
2. Empathy and Social Connection: music activates brain regions related to empathy and understanding others’ emotions (Koelsch, 2010). When children make music together with others, it often forms stronger social bonds.
Neurological and Sensory Benefits of Learning Music
- Improves auditory discrimination — children can better detect subtle sound differences (which is helpful for language learning and attention). In a 2014 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found that musicians could more accurately differentiate between types of infant cries (e.g., distress vs. discomfort), compared to non-musicians.
- Enhances working memory and attention control, critical for learning across subjects.
- Some studies (e.g. Kraus & Chandrasekaran, 2010) show that musical children have faster neural processing of sound and speech.
Lifelong Skills and Well-being from Learning Music
- Fosters creativity and flexible thinking.
- Builds confidence through performance and mastery.
- Encourages cultural awareness and appreciation of beauty.
- Contributes to mental health and emotional well-being across life.
Bottom Line
Learning music provides multi-faceted benefits for children:
- Cognitive – Better memory, attention, language, and math skills.
- Emotional – Growth mindset, grit, and emotional expression.
- Social – Cooperation, empathy, and communication.
- Neurological – Enhanced brain plasticity, auditory and motor development.
- Personal – Confidence, creativity, discipline, and joy.