Is listening to music enough to encourage brain growth, or is there something special about actually learning an instrument?
To date, no research has demonstrated that listening to classical music can have a lasting impact on IQ.
Research does show that learning to play the piano causes the brain to grow.
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You may have heard claims that listening to classical music can boost IQ. Upon hearing this, some parents begin playing continuous background music for their children, but it’s important to understand the facts surrounding this issue as you decide the best way to nurture your child’s mind.
The classical music sensation was triggered by Rauscher’s study in 1993. College students who listened to classical music before the start of the exam performed better on a spacial reasoning test.
These results have since been exaggerated and exploited by the advertisers of children’s products. Although such a simple solution would be wonderful, the enhanced abilities of the college students were only temporary.
Learning Piano Does Have an Effect on the Brain
Research has shown, however, that the act of practicing an instrument does impact the brain. This makes sense when you consider all that is required of the brain as a child learns to play. Eyes, ears and hands are all actively engaged as the child learns to turn written notation into beautiful music.
Consider the work of Gottfried Schlog and his colleagues. One study divided children into two groups: the test group received piano instruction and the children in the control group attended a weekly music class, but did not receive musical training on a specific instrument. All children were tested at the beginning of the study and no behavioral or brain differences were observed, but after only 15 months, significant positive changes were seen in the brains of children studying piano.
Common Sense: Active Participation Produces Results
A closer look at the facts confirms common sense. Passive participation is not as effective as active participation. It certainly doesn’t hurt to play classical music for your child, but understand that it isn’t the magical quick fix that advertisers may claim.
You can help your child’s developing brain by encouraging her to create music. Piano lessons and piano practice are super brain building activities.
How Can I Help You?
As a caring parent, you want to help your child’s developing mind and know that music can play a crucial role. What do you struggle with as you try to incorporate music into your child’s life? How can I help you? What resources would you like to see?
Send me an email or leave a comment below.
Read Schlog’s Research: http://www.musicianbrain.com/papers/Hyde_MusicTraining_BrainPlasticity_nyas_04852.pdf
See also: Rauscher, Frances H.; Shaw, Gordon L.; Ky, Catherine N. (1993). “Music and spatial task performance”. Nature 365 (6447): 611.
Graphic used with permission from mycutegraphics.com