5 Benefits of Music Education
The benefits of music education extend far beyond the realm of melodies and harmonies. Research has shown that engaging in music education has a significant positive impact on cognitive development. From enhancing memory and attention to improving problem-solving skills and spatial-temporal abilities, the cognitive advantages gained through music education are remarkable. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which music education influences cognitive development, shedding light on the powerful relationship between music and the mind. Discover how music can foster intellectual growth and unlock the full potential of learners in their academic and personal pursuits.
Music is an expression of the soul. It penetrates our subconscious and evokes a myriad of emotions. It creates a powerful learning experience. Here are five ways your son or daughter can benefit from music education.
Develops language and reasoning
Research conducted by Gavin Bidelman and Claude Alain revealed that “Musicianship in early life is associated with pervasive changes in brain function and enhanced speech-language skills.” These enhanced speech-language skills can be equated to increasing reading time.
Music, therefore, can assist with developing speech and language in children who do not like to read. In fact, the hands-on nature of music education appeals to tactile learners and increases the chances of them doing well academically.
Improves memory
Memorization forms an important part of learning. Dr. William R. Klemm claims that “Music training imposes a high working-memory load [which] can expand your working memory capacity and reduce the impairing effects on memory of working memory overload.”
Working memory is essentially our short-term memory. Both short-term and long-term memory are important for good academic performance. Lumen Learning points out that the goal when learning new concepts is to get them into short-term memory and then move them into long-term memory. Music will help boost your child’s short-term memory so that more concepts can be transferred to his or her long-term memory.
Offers stress relief
Shannon Jewell’s research shows the link between music and stress relief. This research revealed that “Listening to relaxing music might help improve the stress response and health.” It was discovered that listening to classical music helped alpha-amylase levels quickly return to normal. Alpha-amylase is an enzyme found in saliva; excess amounts of this enzyme are produced during times of stress.
Therefore, encouraging your child to play and listen to calming music can help reduce his or her stress levels. Reduced stress leads to improved focus. Your child may be able to better retain the information he or she studies.
Improves creativity
Music is a form of expressive art. Listen to the work of popular composers such as Beethoven and you will hear a myriad of emotions being conveyed in one song. There is something about finding a way to put notes together to create perfect harmony.
A study was conducted to find a link between creativity and music. The researchers found that creativity was higher for the people who listened to classical music than it was for those who worked in silence.
Helps children with special needs
Music education has also been found to help students with special needs. It helps these children improve their communication, motor, and social skills. A special needs child can find a haven in music.
Putting it all together
Music education can have a lasting impact on a child’s cognitive development. A few of these benefits include improved language and reasoning, improved memory, stress relief, greater creativity, and creating a safe environment for special needs children.