Music Can Boost Brainpower

Question: My kids are very busy with activities, including piano and voice lessons, which they enjoy. Should they continue with music lessons? What are the benefits? -- Is Music Worth It?

Answer: Even if they take up a lot of their time, children should always be encouraged to keep doing things they enjoy as long as they are able to keep up with their schoolwork and maintain good grades. Music is a universal language. It does not matter where you are from or what language you speak, you can identify and enjoy a good melody.

Music also boosts children's brainpower, helps them to increase their memory skills and lets them interact with other children. In addition, music builds children's confidence and teaches them tolerance and patience.

A study by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto at Mississauga found a small increase in the IQs of 6-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons. Students who were given music lessons over the school year tested on average three IQ points higher than the other groups.