Music Education Boosts Cognitive Development in Young Children

When eight-year-old Maynaz Falasiri feels anxious about school, she turns to her piano for comfort. Located in her living room, the instrument offers her solace and a creative outlet after a long day. Her mother, Nazanin Ghanavizi, a psychotherapist, acknowledges the importance of music education in her children’s lives, stating, “That’s a go-to for her to overcome a hard day.” Maynaz has been studying at The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) for six years, focusing on guitar and voice lessons, while her younger brother, Tège Falasiri, has recently developed an interest in the violin.

Ghanavizi emphasizes that she did not initially aim to create musicians, but she recognized the developmental advantages of music education. Since enrolling at RCM, both children have gained confidence and discipline, expressing themselves through various instruments. “They feel and understand music at another level,” Ghanavizi added.

The Smart Start program at RCM, which caters to newborns and children up to age six, combines neuroscience research with music education. This program focuses on cognitive, emotional, and social development, and it is set to expand globally. At a recent symposium hosted by RCM, experts highlighted the significance of music education in early childhood development.

Eric Radford, a former figure skater, and Evan Solomon, Canada’s federal minister of artificial intelligence, shared insights on the future of music education in a digital era. Attendees participated in demonstration classes that showcased the program’s play-based curriculum, simulating a vibrant music classroom environment.

Before each panel discussion, a group of four students from RCM’s Taylor Academy performed a classical piece, captivating the audience with their synchronized movements on violins and cello. Many children who start with the Smart Start program continue their musical journey into professional training, according to Sean Hutchins, RCM’s director of research and a neuroscientist. He noted that the program promotes cognitive skills naturally, employing tools like attention and memory, which enhance learning capabilities.

Research, including a 2016 study from the University of Southern California, indicates that music education can significantly improve cognitive abilities, including vocabulary and decision-making skills. Hutchins explained that “music requires a great deal more precision and attention to these types of things than language does,” suggesting that musical practice enhances the same skills necessary for language development.

Tège, who is just five, has shown enthusiasm for the violin through the age-targeted courses that utilize diverse musical materials from various cultures. Hutchins remarked, “The earlier you start learning about music, the better the outcomes are,” emphasizing the program’s role in exposing children to a variety of musical traditions.

Brent Cotter, a parent of two young children, has witnessed the transformative effects of the program. His daughter, Millicent, age five, has been enrolled since 2022, while her younger brother, Owen, age two, recently joined. Cotter noted that the children have developed a love for music, requesting it throughout their daily routines. He believes that their participation in the program has positively influenced their socialization skills at school.

“We’ve definitely seen a really dramatic difference in our daughter,” Cotter shared, highlighting how music has become an integral part of Millicent’s identity over the past three years. The structured environment of the early childhood music program allows parents to witness different aspects of their children’s personalities and supports their musical growth.

In Owen’s classes, teachers introduce various instruments and engage students through interactive activities, such as moving like birds or dinosaurs in response to different rhythms. Cotter described the experience as incredible, stating, “They’re listening to patterns. They’re picking out different sounds.” For him and his children, music class has become one of the week’s highlights.

Jacinta Cooper, who suffered a brain injury 13 years ago, turned to guitar and singing lessons to improve her cognitive skills. “It has helped me with my confidence and it has helped me with my ability to speak,” Cooper explained. She recognizes the profound impact of music education on children, fostering community and a sense of identity. Hearing about the symposium on the radio, she attended to gain insights into the neurological benefits of music for early childhood education.

As RCM expands its Smart Start program globally, it aims to enhance the cognitive development of children through the power of music. The findings presented at the symposium reaffirm the essential role of early music education in nurturing a well-rounded and capable generation.