Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network

Can Music Instruction Affect Children's Cognitive Development?

Author and Contributors: Rauscher, Frances
Publisher: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education (September 2003)
Review Level: Informal review
Primary Content Area: Early Childhood
Content Type: Research
Audience: Professionals, Educators & Program Staff
Resource Type: Not an extension nor a land-grant developed resource
Keywords: music, cognitive development, child development, Mozart Effect, music instruction
Description: This article discusses the evidence exploring music instruction's effects on children's spatial-temporal, mathematical, and reading abilities. The research suggests that music may act as a catalyst for cognitive abilities in other disciplines, and the relationship between music and spatial-temporal reasoning is particularly compelling. However, more research is needed to more conclusively determine the relationship between music instruction and cognitive development.
Media Type: PDF - Portable Document Format
Resource Listed: June 25, 2004
Resource Last Updated: June 1, 2010
Language: EN

Categories:

Early Childhood: Child Development: Intellectual

Early Childhood: Activities and Learning: Music and Movement