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.

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.
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’.
Anita Holford, co-editor of Music Education Works, looks at eight ways music can support young people’s wellbeing and learning.
This research on why beat synchronisation and language processing and reading skills are connected can only strengthen music education teaching and advocacy.
Researchers in Germany have found that instrumental music lessons have an impact on specific executive functions in children.
Professor Susan Hallam’s research found that regular beat-based music making sessions can improve the reading skills of 11-12 year-olds.
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.
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.
Taking a music qualification in school is linked with higher academic achievement, according to Cambridge Assessment research.
A School of Music professor set out to disprove the idea of a link between a students’ musical and mathematical achievement. But the results of his study proved otherwise.
Image from Pixabay, reproduced under Creative Commons CC0. Taking a music qualification in school is linked with higher academic achievement, according to Cambridge Assessment research.
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.