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.

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.

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.

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.

The Argument for Music Education

Nina Kraus, Hugh Knowles Professor, and Travis White-Schwoch, senior data analyst, both at Northwestern University, argue that music education should be part of every child’s curriculum.

Children who regularly play a musical instrument have better memory and attention span

Neuroscientists in Chile have found new evidence that learning to play a musical instrument may be good for the brain.

ArtsTrain music scheme improved deprived children’s creativity and wellbeing

The impact of an ArtsTrain music making programme has been highlighted in a new evaluation report.

Rhythm-based music programme helps pre-school children control their impulsive responses

Researchers in Germany have found that a rhythm-based music programme helped pre-school children control one of their executive functions: their impulsive responses.

Australian primary school transformed by music

Small, rural primary school at Yahl in South Australia transformed by music.

Music students score higher in maths, science, and English than non-music student peers

Research by the University of British Colombia, Canada, shows that high school students who take music courses score significantly higher in other subjects than their non-musical peers.