HOW MUSIC MAKES CHILDREN SMARTER

Did you know that music enhances learning in young children? Many studies from institutions
continue to explore the benefits of music for kids! Let’s talk about all the ways children benefit
from their favorite music!

Studies show that music has far reaching significance in its impact on the human condition:
socially, personally, and intellectually. With regard to intellectual function in particular, research
has shown that skills developed during musical training often transfer to other skills and
cognitive functions, many associated with learning. This impact most often has been identified
specifically in relation to language arts and math. The objective of this article is to establish the
need and the fact that by increasing student access to music education/activities, students may be
helped to achieve their fullest potential in other learning areas. That said, let us take a closer look
at how music education can be helpful in making a learner smarter.

1. It makes your brain stronger!

There are an increasing numbers of studies conducted by higher education institutions that
continue to prove exposure to music gives kids a mental advantage! Music has been proven to
enhance academic performance, as it uses parts of the brain that develop reading, math, and
language development! It has also been shown that children who study music by playing
instruments themselves have an improved ability to focus in on abstract ideas. There’s a lot to
gain from kids learning and experiencing music!

2. Music makes your memory awesome.

In addition to the brain power music gives developing brains, did you know it also improves
memory? This is closely related to the enhancement of focus and learning but much so
important; we thought it needed its own mention! Increased focus in the parts of the brain that
interpret music (rhythms, beats, lyrics, patterns, etc.) also play a big role in developing memory
skills in other learning areas!

3. Music makes friends!

Music builds confidence and in doing so, encourages kids to break out of their shell! Experts say
that learning to play a musical instrument increases confidence and social skills by allowing
them to relate to teachers, their peers, and their audiences! Ensembles teach students team
building lessons and discipline. So grab some friends and make some music!

4. Music teaches patience.

Kids who learn how to play or interpret music are earning really valuable lesson in patience. You
can’t make beautiful music without knowing how to wait your turn to play your part! You won’t
be a master musician the first time you pick up an instrument, patience and practice is the key!
 5. Music is a great way to express yourself.

Music isn’t always about learning and focus. Of course, music is fun! Music, either the kind we
listen to or the kind we play provides kids with perhaps the best outlet for expression we have!
Music provides kids with experiences in happiness, excitement and other emotions we can’t get
anywhere else. Don’t fight the feeling, get up and dance! Tap your feet, clap your hands or snap
your fingers. Just have fun and be good!

6. With music learning is fun!

Learning new songs gives us constant learning material! Whether you are making new beats
yourself or learning the lyrics to your favorite gospel songs, music is a tool that encourages kids
to continue to learn fun and entertaining material.

7. Creativity is super important.

While music enhances self-expression, but overall, music expresses creativity! Writing it,
listening to it, dancing to it, laughing to it, whatever creative juices that music brings out in kids,
should be encouraged!
Ursula K. LeGuin once said, “It had never occurred to me before that music and thinking could be
so much alike. In fact you could say music is another way of thinking, or maybe thinking is another
kind of music”. I think his thoughts best captures the idea that musical activities are a great booster
of cognitive functions.

Ekene Akunna
HOD, Creative and performing Arts Dept.