Music Education Boosts Cognitive Development in Young Children

When children face challenges, music can serve as a vital tool for emotional comfort and cognitive development. Eight-year-old Maynaz Falasiri finds solace in her piano after school, a practice that has become a source of comfort during anxious moments. Her mother, Nazanin Ghanavizi, a psychotherapist, observes that music has not only helped Maynaz cope but has also fostered essential skills. “Some kids go to their toys; for her, she goes to her piano,” Ghanavizi explained.

Maynaz has been studying at The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) for six years, where she has developed a passion for music and a keen interest in guitar and voice lessons. Her younger brother, Tège Falasiri, is also enrolled, focusing on the violin. Ghanavizi emphasizes that while she did not aim to raise musicians, she recognizes the profound developmental benefits of music education for her children.

Global Expansion of Music Programs

RCM’s Smart Start program, designed for children up to age six, is backed by neuroscience research that highlights the advantages of music education in enhancing cognitive, emotional, and social development. The program will soon expand globally, as showcased at RCM’s music symposium, which featured panels and demonstrations on the transformative role of music in early childhood development.

Renowned speakers, including former figure skater Eric Radford and Evan Solomon, Canada’s federal minister of artificial intelligence, discussed the implications of music education in a rapidly digitizing world. Demonstrations showcased play-based learning methods, engaging attendees in a music classroom simulation just outside the main theatre.

Before each panel, a group of students from RCM’s Taylor Academy, designed for ages 11 to 17, captivated the audience with a synchronized classical performance.

Research Highlights Musical Benefits

The Smart Start program has proven effective, with many students progressing to professional training and careers in music. Sean Hutchins, a neuroscientist and director of research at RCM, noted that the curriculum naturally develops cognitive skills by utilizing tools like attention and memory. Children involved in the program have shown improved vocabulary and cognitive abilities, as music and language share similar sound perception and processing skills.

“Music requires a great deal more precision and attention than language does,” Hutchins stated. “By practicing music, they develop the skills necessary for language enhancement as well.”

Tège Falasiri, who recently started violin lessons, benefits from the program’s age-targeted approach, which includes music from various cultures. “The earlier you start learning about music, the better the outcomes,” Hutchins added.

Parents like Brent Cotter have witnessed significant changes in their children through the program. His daughter, Millicent, 5, has been part of the Smart Start program since 2022, while her younger brother, Owen, 2, recently enrolled. Cotter emphasizes how music has positively impacted their social skills at school, attributing this growth to the early exposure provided by the program.

“The transformation in our daughter has been dramatic,” Cotter remarked. “Music has become an integral part of who she is.”

During classes, children engage with various instruments through playful activities, learning to listen for different rhythms. For instance, a faster beat prompts them to mimic birds, while a slower rhythm encourages dinosaur movements. “They are listening to patterns and picking out sounds,” Cotter noted. “It’s incredible how much they gain from this experience.”

A Personal Journey through Music

For Jacinta Cooper, music has played a crucial role in her recovery following a brain injury 13 years ago. Through guitar and singing lessons, she has improved her language and memory skills. “Music has helped me gain confidence and articulate my thoughts better,” Cooper said, reflecting on her journey.

Her presence at the symposium stemmed from a desire to understand the neurological impacts of music education on young children, as she believes it can forge community and identity among them.

The RCM Smart Start program exemplifies how music education can nurture not only artistic talent but also cognitive growth, emotional resilience, and social skills in children. As it expands globally, the initiative stands poised to influence the developmental trajectories of countless young learners, fostering a new generation equipped with valuable life skills.