Music can improve social communication skills in autism

In 2018 researchers from the University of Montreal and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, published a report showing that music intervention alters brain activation and improves social communication skills in children with autism.

Rhythm, dyslexia and reading training

Researchers in Italy find that students diagnosed with Developmental Dyslexia (DD) scored high in rhythmic abilities, as measured by rhythmic pattern discrimination tests.

Dyslexia can be overcome with nursery rhymes and music

Professor Usha Goswami, Director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education at the University of Cambridge, says that children can overcome dyslexia by learning nursery rhymes, dancing and singing.

Music in childhood boosts brains in later life

Research by The University of Edinburgh shows that taking up a musical instrument in childhood and adolescence is associated with improved thinking skills in older age.

Mapping the musical mind: the link between musical and language processing

Researchers in Japan have found a specific link between musical processing and areas of the brain associated with language processing for the first time.

The role of arts and cultural programmes on young people’s mental health and wellbeing – a research digest

The latest research digest from the Centre for Cultural Value explores the role of arts and cultural programmes on young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Music education scheme a success in Dundee

Researchers from the University of Dundee have evaluated the impact of the Big Noise Douglas (BND) programme in the city and found that ‘BND is having positive impacts on children, families and the community’.

Pre-school children who can keep a beat are more likely to be better readers and talkers

This research on why beat synchronisation and language processing and reading skills are connected can only strengthen music education teaching and advocacy.

Music lessons enhance executive functions in 6- to 7-year-old children

Researchers in Germany have found that instrumental music lessons have an impact on specific executive functions in children.

Can a rhythmic intervention support reading development in poor readers?

Professor Susan Hallam’s research found that regular beat-based music making sessions can improve the reading skills of 11-12 year-olds.

Musical training can help us maintain brain health as we age

A study by staff at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Texas, raises the possibility that musical training may help offset age-related declines in brain volume in older adults.

Formal string instrument training enhances the cognitive development of primary school children

Researchers from the University of Geneva and Université de Lausanne in Switzerland have found that formal, intensive, musical instrument training in a group setting in primary schools can enhance their cognitive development.