Musical Training Boosts Child Development

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

• Musical training fosters cognitive growth, socio-emotional development, and motor skills.

• Prior studies link music education with increased IQ, memory enhancement, and emotional regulation.

• Engagement with music activates diverse brain regions, enhancing neural plasticity.

New Insights from this Study:

• Extra-curricular music lessons led to a 7-point IQ increase compared to a smaller rise in statutory music groups.

• Gross motor skills, specifically aiming and catching, improved notably in extra-curricular learners.

• Musical aptitude correlates with intelligence, showing evidence of music’s broader developmental benefits.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Structured Music Programs:

• Offer extracurricular music training to supplement school programs for better cognitive outcomes.

• Encourage diverse instrument learning to enhance both fine and gross motor skills.

• Use targeted music activities to develop problem-solving and spatial reasoning abilities.

2. Integrative Teaching Approaches:

• Incorporate rhythmic exercises to teach attention and focus in classrooms.

• Combine music with physical activities like ball games to foster coordination.

• Develop tailored music activities to support children with different developmental needs.

3. Parental and Educator Support:

• Highlight the importance of parental attitudes in encouraging sustained musical practice.

• Train teachers to integrate music into curricula for holistic education.

• Promote accessible music programs to bridge socio-economic gaps in education.

Reference:
Rose, D., Bartoli, A. J., & Heaton, P. (2017). Measuring the impact of musical learning on cognitive, behavioural and socio-emotional wellbeing development in children. Psychology of Music. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617744887

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2025).  Musical Training Boosts Child Development.  Excellent Educator, 2(3), 2.