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The Benefits of Music: Review

Music is not merely a form of entertainment but a profound tool that shapes our cognitive, emotional, and social development. For young people, it stands as a favourite pastime, on par with gaming and ahead of activities like sports, drama, dance, and arts and crafts. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of music, supported by extensive research and studies.



According to a comprehensive review by Youth Music and Ipsos MORI, 69% of young people had watched a music video. The average Spotify user streams 40 unique artists per week, and 18-24-year-olds stream up to an average of 487 videos a month on YouTube. Additionally, 32% of 16-17-year-olds consider music their favourite activity. These statistics underscore the centrality of music in young people’s lives, highlighting its role as a significant cultural and social activity.


Cognitive Benefits of Music

Enhanced Brain Development

Studies have consistently shown that learning to play an instrument before age seven leads to enhanced brain development. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that early musical training improves the brain’s ability to interpret and integrate sensory information, such as hearing, touch, and sight. This training strengthens connections across the corpus callosum, the brain's communication hub, leading to faster cognitive processing and improved learning capabilities. Enhanced white matter in this area helps maintain brain connectivity, protecting against memory loss and cognitive decline.


Moreover, research from Brown University indicated that musical training increases grey matter volume in the brain, which is responsible for processing and retrieving information. More grey matter means more new neural connections, boosting brain volume and improving reading comprehension, mathematics, spelling, and motor skills.


Academic Improvement 

The cognitive benefits of music extend to academic performance as well. A study by the University of Wisconsin and the University of California revealed that children who received piano lessons performed 34% better in spatial-temporal reasoning tasks than those who did not. This enhanced reasoning ability translates to improved problem-solving skills and academic success. 


Emotional Benefits of Music 

Music profoundly influences emotional development, providing a unique medium for children to express feelings that words cannot capture. Learning an instrument requires patience, perseverance, and discipline, which contribute to emotional resilience. According to the Aurora Institute of Music, music lessons help children develop self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.



Social Benefits of Music

Teamwork and Cooperation

Music tuition also fosters social skills. Participating in group lessons, ensembles, or orchestras teaches children the value of teamwork and cooperation. They learn to listen to others, synchronise efforts, and contribute to a collective goal. These interactions foster a sense of belonging and community, crucial for healthy social development.


Communication Skills

Moreover, music serves as a means of communication. It engages cognitive functions such as planning, working memory, inhibition, and flexibility—collectively known as executive functions—which are vital for learning and development. Research by Miendlarzewska and Trost (2014) supports that musical training positively impacts cognitive functions and is associated with neuroplastic changes in brain structure and function.


Educational Implications

Despite the clear benefits, the trajectory of music education in schools has seen reductions in Key Stage 3 provision, and trainee primary teachers receive decreasing amounts of music training. However, the number of pupils taking music qualifications at Key Stage 4 has increased, indicating a sustained interest in music despite educational constraints.



Music is a powerful tool for cognitive, emotional, and social development. From enhancing brain structure and function to improving academic performance and fostering emotional resilience, the benefits of music are manifold. As the data from Youth Music and Ipsos MORI demonstrates, music holds a cherished place in the lives of young people, highlighting the need for continued support and investment in music education. Supporting children’s musical journeys is an investment in their future, nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of achieving great things.


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References

Youth Music and Ipsos MORI. (2023). The Sound of the Next Generation: A Comprehensive Review of Children and Young People's Relationship with Music.

Aurora Institute of Music. (2023). The Benefits of Music Lessons for Children.

Journal of Neuroscience.

Brown University. (2023). The Impact of Musical Training on Brain Development.

University of Wisconsin and University of California. (2023). The Effects of Piano Lessons on Spatial-Temporal Reasoning.

Ofsted. (2023). Striking the Right Note: The Music Subject Report.

University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute. (2016). The Role of Music in Early Childhood Development.

Miendlarzewska, E. A., & Trost, W. J. (2014). The Neuroscientific Basis of Music's Impact on the Brain.

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