Music makes you smarter!

There has been a significant amount of research on the effects of music—and particularly music education—on the human brain. And for good reason! Take, for example, the research by Mark Mieras, which "Meer muziek in de klas" published an article about. Or the article by "LKCA," based on the research of Artur Jaschke, Erik Scherder, and Henkjan Honing.

These insights confirm that music is of immeasurable value! Something we fully agree with. We are happy to share the key findings.

The Impact of Music on Cognitive Skills

Music as a Motor for Brain Development 

Everyone gets smarter from music! Children who recieve music education tend to perform better in school and often excel in cognitive skills like memory, attention, and pattern recognition.

Take, for example, the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He not only created masterful music but also used complex structures and patterns in his compositions. It is not only fascinating to learn about the pioneers of contemporary music, but engaging with them also helps students improve their analytical skills.

Music education also benefits other subjects, like math and language—a phenomenon known as “Far Transfer.”

Music contributes to brain growth and the development of working memory. By making music and listening to it, various brain areas are activated. This leads to new connections and strengthens existing networks. Very useful, as it allows students to remember information better. This can greatly help in solving math problems!

Research shows that students who revieve music education often excel in other subjects, making it a valuable addition to any curriculum. Don’t you agree?

Music Connects and Strengthens Social Cohesion 

Music has been bringing people together since prehistoric times. In the classroom, music not only fosters collaboration but also creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Activities like singing or playing instruments together contribute to a sense of community, which is essential for students' social development.

Music education can also be an excellent way to embrace cultural diversity. Exploring different music styles and traditions helps students learn about one another and develop greater respect for diverse backgrounds. This contributes to an inclusive school culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Integrating music into other subjects, such as language and math, can boost student engagement. Let's be honest, learning multiplication tables is much more effective (and fun!) when you do it to the rhythm of a familiar tune!

Music Enhances Listening and Language Skills 

Music also contributes to the development of listening skills. Through musical practice, children learn to filter out distracting noises, which is crucial for their academic performance.

Research by Mieras shows that children who play a musical instrument are better at understanding spoken language, even in noisy environments. Additionally, music enhances language skills: children who participate in music programs develop a better ability to recognize phonemes and grammatical structures.

The Link Between Music and Language 

Music and language are closely connected. A sense of rhythm and melody in young children is an excellent predictor of their language skills.

These two domains activate similar networks in the brain, stimulating language development. Songs are particularly effective; they help children not only learn a language but also improve reading skills and acquire new grammatical structures.

Conclusion 

The benefits of music in education are undeniable. Every student should be instilled with a love for music, and all children should have equal opportunities to learn it. Music for everyone. The effects are not only positive but essential.

Every music style is beneficial, as long as the brain is challenged daily with something new. Whether singing regularly in the classroom or incorporating various ensemble instruments, it’s all about stimulating the brain and creating an inspiring learning environment.

Sources:

"Wat onderzoek ons leert over muziek op school" (What research teaches us about music in school) Research by Mark Mieras, commissioned by More Music in the Classroom:
https://www.mieras.nl/schrijven/wat-onderzoek-ons-leert-over-muziek-op-school/

“Door muziek te maken krijg je een beter gestimuleerd brein cadeau“ (Making music gives you a better-stimulated brain) Research by Artur Jaschke, together with Erik Scherder and Henkjan Honing. Read more on the LKCA website:
https://www.lkca.nl/artikel/invloed-muziekonderwijs-op-schoolprestaties-en-hersenontwikkeling/