Music is everything.
Research shows that, when the arts are included in a student's curriculum, reading, writing, and math scores improve. Music is history, it is science, it is math, it is language, it is health, and above all - it is the expression of human emotions through sound.
Cognitive & Academic Benefits (Smart)
Studies have explored the link between music training and cognitive abilities, including IQ, spatial reasoning, linguistic skills, verbal memory, and executive function. Research also suggests music training may improve speech processing, reading skills, and sensorimotor synchronization.
Social, Emotional & Well-being (Whole)
Music activities, such as participating in choirs or orchestras, have been associated with benefits in social skills, self-esteem, cooperation, and communicative development. Music training has also been linked to stress reduction and improved emotion regulation, and studies indicate youth use music as a coping mechanism and to enhance mood.
Music Therapy & Aging (Healthy)
Music therapy has shown effectiveness in reducing behavioral symptoms and improving global cognition in individuals with dementia. Music interventions have also been associated with reductions in anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients, and research explores why musical memory is often preserved in Alzheimer's. Studies on older adults suggest music activities like piano lessons and Dalcroze Eurhythmics can positively influence working memory, motor skills, equilibrium, and gait.
Studies represent a mix of cognitive, academic, and social research that outline major benefits for all music learners:
* Brain Structure Enhancement: Studies show that learning an instrument significantly impacts brain development, enhancing executive function and neuroplasticity.
* Language & Reading: A two-year Swiss study of 1,200 children found that music students were better at languages, learned to read more easily, and had lower stress levels.
* Abstract Reasoning: Piano training is superior to computer instruction in enhancing spatial-temporal reasoning.
* Working Memory: Music training is linked to improved manipulation of information in long-term and working memory.
* Higher Test Scores: String students in pullout lessons averaged higher scores in all areas of the Ohio Proficiency Test.
* Increased Attendance/Engagement: Students involved in music show more enjoyment in school and higher attendance.
* Mental Health Coping: Youth utilize music as a tool to alleviate stress, enhance mood, and cope with emotional challenges.
* Social Skill Enhancement: Collaborative musical activities (band/choir/orchestra) significantly boost social skills and self-esteem in adolescents.
* Reducing Anxiety: Music therapy with Alzheimer's patients shows decreased agitation and better behavioral responses.
* Improved Focus: Listening to music (particularly classical) stimulates brain activity and aids in deep focus.
* Physiological Effects: Regular music listening has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
* Social Justice: Analysis of 100+ years of music shows its critical role in social justice movements (e.g., civil rights, Black Lives Matter, protests).
* Community Impact: Music brings large economic and social value through live music and performance in cities.
There are many foundational and recent, high-impact studies, meta-analyses, and longitudinal research that serve as the bedrock for music education and therapy advocacy. They demonstrate that music education is a fundamental, not extracurricular, component of child development, cognitive health, and social-emotional well-being, and have immense long term benefits for any learner, young and old.
See for yourself, check out these resources and studies:
https://www.artsedsearch.org/browse-research/
https://www.amromusic.com/advocacy-facts
https://nafme.org/publications-resources/nafme-blog/
https://www.savethemusic.org/resources/music-education-advocacy-action-plans/