NatellaPiano

People with music training often outperform their non-musical peers on cognitive tasks (Schellenberg 2006).

​

For instance, a study of 4 to 6-year olds found that musically-trained kids performed better on a test of working memory (Fujioka et al 2006).

​

In a cross-sectional study of Canadian school children, E. Glenn Schellenberg (2006) found that kids who took music lessons had slightly higher IQs. The effects were general, cutting across several different intellectual abilities (e.g., verbal, mathematical, and temporal-spatial).

​

Music lessons were associated with abilities pertaining to fluid intelligence, such as

• Working memory
• Perceptual organization
• Processing speed

​

They were also associated with increased verbal comprehension and better grades in school.