Children Taking Music Lessons Develop Higher IQ's

Piano lessons develop long-term benefits for children that directly relate to increased reasoning abilities, understanding math concepts, spatial intelligence, and understanding language development. John Gabrieli of Stanford University reports of a recent study that shows children who study music display improved brain processing with regard to language and reading skills.

Increased IQ

Piano or other instrument lessons also show an increase in IQ in children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. Children participating in the study displayed increased IQ scores as young adults and scored better in standardized tests, as reported in the Journal of Educational Psychology.

According to Dr. James Catterall of UCLA, "When researchers analyzed the NELS:88 database of the U.S.Department of Education, which tracked 25,000 students over a ten-year period, they discovered that students who were involved in music scored higher on standardized tests and reading tests than students not taking music courses. This finding was consistent for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds."

List of the benefits of music lessons (Compiled by Wheaton College, IL)

*Recognition of patterns in rhythms and melodies

*Increase in listening skills

*Increased concentration and focus

*Increase in memorization skills

*Understanding of forms and structure

The College Board reported in 2005 that music students who took the SAT's scored 56 points higher on the verbal SAT section and 39 points higher on the math SAT's than those without a background in music lessons.

Consider piano lessons or other music instruction when deciding on your children's activities. Explain to your children the benefits of music lessons and the enjoyment of playing an instrument. They will enjoy playing an instrument throughout their lives.

Many children think piano lessons are nerdy or for kids that can't play sports or outdoor games. This is simply not true. In fact, studying music actually helps build brain processing that helps athletes remember and react to detailed plays and improvising on the go.

The mother of an eight year old boy who has been taking piano lessons since he was 5 years old had this to say, "He is a straight A student, an athlete who excels in football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse, and recently had three drawings entered in an art show. He is very sociable and displays confidence in all aspects of his life. Piano lessons have helped him gain the confidence he needs in everything he does."

Resources:

Gabrieli, John, http://news-service.stanford.edu, Nov. 2005

Schellenberg EG. 2006. Journal of Educa­tional Psychology 98(2)

Community School of the Arts, Long - Term Benefits of Music Study - Why Start Young?