How music helps children learn, and how, for children with autism, learning to play a musical instrument improves motor skills and self-expression
- Learning a musical instrument or listening to music can boost a child’s memory and focus, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve behaviour
- Playing a musical instrument also helps children with autism improve their awareness of emotions and their bodily needs and functions
Throughout history, music has been used for healing. Recent research has shown that music may assist in a wide range of therapeutic settings, from helping to deal with anxiety and depression, to coping with cancer.
Music may also help young people learn and behave better, according to a study by the University of Southern California Brain and Creativity Institute, which found that children who learn a musical instrument have enhanced cognitive function.
Beatriz Ilari, associate professor of music teaching and learning at the University of Southern California, was involved in the study, which followed children aged six and seven who had just started to learn music.
Their musical, social, cognitive and brain development were tracked using MRI and EEG scans, and behavioural and musical tests.
Over several years, the study showed that children involved in music exhibited higher scores in executive function – the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks. They were also less hyperactive and aggressive.