Research Notes

Research Notes - Links to Research in Benefits of Childhood Music

Recent research suggests that music is an excellent medium for developing minds. Music shares the same "neural language" with other higher brain functions such as mathematics and abstract reasoning. Activities such as listening to classical music or playing an instrument appear to develop the neural pathways necessary for other advanced mental tasks.

Below are links to articles that will tell you more about the important benefits (intellectual, emotional, social, health) of raising your children with music.

Tuning in to the Musical Brain (by Jane Singhal, published in the Bay Area Parent, March 1999)

This article describes what skills-oriented music instruction is; why it is important; and what are age-appropriate activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children.

Beyond Twinkle: Creating Music in the Classroom by Jane Singhal

This article describes observations made when teaching skills-based music through composition.

Living with Music by Jane Singhal

Hints on how music can be used to help with daily life with children.

The Music and Science Information Computer Archive contains many more articles on how music affects the mind and health of people in general.

The M.I.N.D. Institute is continuing research on the relationship between music, intelligence and neural development.