Music Makes Your Child Smarter

MUSIC MAKES YOUR CHILD SMARTER

Improved performance in school Music lessons have been shown to improve a child's performance in school. After eight months of lessons, children showed a 46% boost in their spatial IQ, which is crucial for higher brain function learning in complex mathematics, science and engineering. - Frances Rauscher, Ph.D, University of Wisconsin, Gordon Shaw, Ph.D, University of CA, Irvine, 1994.

Direct correlation of improved scores and time spent studying music Students with coursework or experience in music performance scored 51 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 39 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in music. There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts. Those who studied the arts for four or more years scored 59 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher on the math portions of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in music performance. - Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by the Music Educators National Conference, 1995.

A Link Between Music and Intelligence Over the decades, classroom teachers have noted that their top academic students are often those children who are studying music performance (piano instruction and band). However, until the past decade there has been little research to prove a causal link between music and intelligence. At this point, however, developmental neurobiologists and research psychologists have provided us with insight into the music performance/intellectual development link.

Cooperation - In today's business world, cooperation with coworkers is necessary for success. The old "pyramid model" of top-down isolated decision making has passed. Today's workers need to be able to cooperate to achieve common goals. Music instruction is marked by cooperation, not competition. Playing music together, children learn that cooperation is a means to an end, a social skill which can be applied to other goals.

Beauty - Music brings joy and beauty into our children's lives. While we cannot give empirical or "scientific" evidence that our children benefit from the joy of creation and the lifelong ability to bring the beauty of music into their lives, we know instinctively that our children do benefit. How many times have you wished that your own parents had brought music into your life, or how many times have you been thankful that your parents did give you the gift of music?

Self Esteem - The ability to play a musical instrument makes you special. You can give joy to others. You receive a great deal of recognition from your family and peers. You have the knowledge that you set out to master a complex skill and you succeeded. All these experiences build self esteem and a "can do" positive attitude toward yourself and the world.

Affective Skills - Educating children in music puts them in touch with their feelings, and through their feelings, themselves. Being in touch with oneself, being capable of solitude and enjoying one's own company for a time, and being moved to feel what one would not otherwise feel are benefits that are familiar to all who participate in music. These "affective" or emotional benefits enrich the quality of your child's life.

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