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The Power of a Music Education

Study after study has proven that music education dramatically increases early brain development and improves students' overall academic performance. The following is a sample of the research that is currently available.

Enhances Higher Brain Function

Music lessons have been shown to improve a child's performance in school. A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reports that music training -- specifically piano instruction -- is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills which are necessary for learning math and science. This experiment included three groups of preschoolers:

- one group received piano/keyboard lessons and singing lessons

- a second group received private computer lessons

- and a third group received no training

After six months of keyboard lessons, those children who received piano/keyboard training performed 34% higher on test measuring spatial-temporal ability than the others. These findings indicate that music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science, and engineering.

(From Neurological Research, Feb 28, 1997; Frances Rauscher PhD, Gordon Shaw PhD, University of California, Irvine)

Improves Reading and Math Performance

A research team studying first graders from two Rhode Island Elementary schools found that students who participated in an "enriched, sequential, skill building music program" dramatically increased their reading and math performance.

(From Nature May 23, 1996; Gardiner, Fox, Jefferey, and Knowles)

Raises IQ Scores

Mozart's Piano Sonata K448 was found to significantly increase spatial scores of college students on IQ tests when the Sonata was listened to for 10 minutes, dubbed the "Mozart Effect."

(From Nature, 1993, Drs. Raucher and Shaw, University of California, Irvine)

Provides Important Experiences

Musical activities provide children with important experiences that can help them develop physical coordination, timing, memory, visual, aural, and language skills. The they work to increase their command of music and exercise musical skills in the company of others, they gain important experience with self-paced learning, mental concentration, and a heightened personal and social awareness.

(From Nature, 1993, Drs. Raucher and Shaw, University of California, Irvine)

Increases SAT Scores

Students with coursework/experience in music scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 36 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no experience in the arts for a combined total of 88 points higher.

Further, there is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spend studying the arts. Those who studied the arts four or more years scored 60 points higher on the verbal and 41 points higher on the math portions of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts.

(Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by the American Music Conference 1997)

With the overwhelming evidence, we think there's a clear case for your child's music education! Get enrolled in classes today.

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