Music Education Boosts Cognitive Growth in Children Worldwide

When eight-year-old Maynaz Falasiri feels anxious about school, she finds solace in music. After class, she spends about 30 minutes at her piano, located in her family’s living room. Her mother, Nazanin Ghanavizi, a psychotherapist, noted this routine helps Maynaz cope with challenging days. “Some kids go to their stuffies; for her, she goes to her piano,” Ghanavizi explained. Maynaz, who has been studying music at The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) for six years, is not alone. Her younger brother, Tège, is also enrolled, focusing on violin.

Ghanavizi did not initially intend for her children to become musicians. However, she recognized the significant benefits of music education for their development. She observed increased confidence and discipline in her children, who now express themselves through various instruments. “They feel and understand music at another level,” she said.

Global Expansion of Music Education Programs

Both Maynaz and Tège began their musical journey in RCM’s Smart Start program, designed for newborns and children up to six years old. This program integrates neuroscience research with music education to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development. Recently, RCM announced plans to expand this program globally. During a music symposium held at RCM, experts discussed the importance of music education in shaping human development, particularly for young children.

Speakers included former figure skater Eric Radford and Evan Solomon, the federal minister of artificial intelligence. They explored the future of music education in a digitally evolving landscape. Demonstrations showcased the program’s play-based curriculum, allowing attendees to experience a music classroom setting.

Students from RCM’s Taylor Academy, which offers specialized training for ages 11 to 17, performed a classical piece, captivating the audience. This program has proven effective, as many participants continue to pursue professional music careers. According to Sean Hutchins, neuroscientist and director of research at RCM, the Smart Start program is a “natural way” for children to develop cognitive skills, incorporating tools like attention and memory.

Research highlights a connection between music education and improved cognitive abilities. Children in the program have demonstrated enhanced vocabulary scores, as music and language share similar sound perception and processing skills. A study from the University of Southern California found that music education supports better decision-making and faster brain development. “Music requires a greater degree of precision and attention than language does,” Hutchins noted. “By practicing music, they’re improving the skills they need for language development.”

Experiences of Families in the Program

Five-year-old Tège, like his sister, has embraced music through the Smart Start program, developing an interest in the violin. The courses are tailored for different age groups and include diverse musical materials, exposing children to various cultural sounds. Hutchins emphasized the importance of early music education, stating, “The earlier you start learning about music, the better the outcomes are.”

Brent Cotter, whose children Millicent, 5, and Owen, 2, have also enrolled in the program, has witnessed a transformation in their love for music. Millicent has been part of the program since 2022, and Owen recently joined. Cotter reported that music has become an integral part of their daily lives, helping with socialization and personal development. “We’ve definitely seen a dramatic difference in our daughter,” he said.

In Owen’s classes, instructors use different instruments and interactive activities to teach children to identify rhythms and sounds. Faster beats turn students into birds, while slower ones transform them into dinosaurs. Cotter remarked, “They’re listening to patterns. They’re picking out different sounds. It’s incredible how much they have gained from it.”

Jacinta Cooper, who suffered a brain injury 13 years ago, found that guitar and singing lessons improved her language and memory skills. Before her lessons, she struggled with articulation and thought processes. “It has helped me with my confidence and my ability to speak,” Cooper shared. She attended the symposium, hoping to explore the neurological benefits of music education for young children.

As music education continues to expand through initiatives like RCM’s Smart Start program, its role in cognitive and emotional development remains clear. Families around the world are discovering the profound impact that music can have on their children’s lives, nurturing not just musicians, but well-rounded individuals.