The Science Behind Music Learning: How Music Shapes Your Child's Brain

Why are music lessons so popular for children? It isn’t just about learning an instrument. Research suggests that learning music can support a child’s thinking skills, emotional development and learning at school. Here’s what we know about how music shapes your child’s brain.

How music supports brain development

1. It builds new connections

Learning music draws on the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections, often called neuroplasticity. When children practise an instrument, they use skills like problem solving, memory and doing several things at once.

• Playing music uses many parts of the brain at the same time.
• Hearing, movement and reading music all work together.
• Regular practice over time builds these skills.

2. It helps with language and reading

Music and language share some of the same processing in the brain. Learning rhythm, pitch and melody can help children with phonological awareness, the ability to hear the sounds within words, which is an important building block for reading.

• Musical training helps children pick up patterns in speech.
• It can support vocabulary and pronunciation.
• Some studies have found children with musical training do better on verbal tasks.

3. It supports emotional skills

Music is about feelings as much as notes. Making and listening to music helps children understand and express their emotions.

• Group classes encourage teamwork and cooperation.
• Making music can be a calming outlet.
• Interpreting the mood of a piece helps children think about how others feel.

4. It strengthens memory and attention

Learning a song or a piano piece uses both short term and long term memory. Practising regularly trains children to concentrate for longer.

• Research has linked musical training with stronger auditory memory.
• Music students practise focusing on one task for a sustained period.
• Fitting in regular practice helps children learn to manage their time.

Music and learning at school

Maths Music is full of patterns. Rhythm and timing involve counting, fractions and ratios, often without children noticing.

Problem solving Working out how to play a difficult passage teaches children to break a problem into smaller parts.

Discipline and persistence Practising an instrument builds patience and discipline, habits that carry over into schoolwork.

Why start early?

The early years are a time of rapid brain development, which makes them a great time to start music.

• Young children learn quickly. They pick up new skills readily through play.
• Habits form early. Listening, rhythm and focus learned young stay with children.
• Long term benefits. Early music learning supports skills like planning, self control and decision making.

That’s why our group courses start with Beeboppers for 3 year olds.

Music as a workout for the brain

Whether it’s a group class for a three year old or private piano lessons for a teenager, learning music works many parts of the brain at once, including the areas involved in:

• Hearing and processing sound
• Planning, decision making and self control
• Coordination and fine motor skills
• Memory

Common questions

At what age should my child start learning music? Early childhood is a great time to start, and our group courses begin at 3 years old. It’s never too late, though, and there’s no minimum age for private lessons.

What’s better for brain development, group or private lessons? Both have benefits. Group classes build social skills and teamwork, while private lessons give personalised attention and a program built around your child.

Can music help children with ADHD or learning difficulties? Many children with attention or learning difficulties enjoy music and find it a positive outlet. If your child has particular needs, talk to us so we can find the right teacher and lesson format. For therapeutic support, speak to a registered music therapist or your child’s health professional.

Does my child need to practise every day? Consistency is what counts. Short daily practice, even 10 to 15 minutes, usually works better than an occasional long session.

Does singing have the same benefits as playing an instrument? Singing uses many of the same skills, including listening, pitch, memory and emotional expression.

In short

Learning music supports children’s thinking, language, memory and emotional skills, and the benefits last. Whether it’s piano, guitar, singing or something else, give your child the chance to pick up an instrument and watch them grow, as a musician and as a person.

Book a free trial lesson at https://app.ismturramurra.com.au/book-trial