9 Surprising benefits of music education for children
The benefits of music education go far beyond the simple enjoyment of learning to play an instrument or sing in a choir – it is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a child’s overall development, particularly for young students. During these formative years, children’s brains are highly receptive to new learning experiences, and research consistently shows that music can have a profound impact on intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
We’ll delve into how music education benefits primary-aged children, exploring research-backed advantages and how music can help young learners thrive academically, socially and mentally, setting them up for success throughout their schooling.
Below we list nine surprising benefits of music education for children.
For primary-aged children, music education is much more than a creative outlet—it plays a vital role in shaping their cognitive abilities.
1. Improved memory and learning skills
Music training helps young children enhance their memory capacity, which is critical in the early years when foundational learning takes place. Research from the Music Trust highlights that music education improves the brain’s ability to store and recall information. Children who engage in music tend to develop stronger verbal memory skills, meaning they can retain and recall language more easily. These skills are directly transferable to literacy development, aiding children in learning to read and write more effectively.
In addition, music education encourages repetition and memorisation, as children practise songs, rhythms, and melodies. This process enhances their ability to focus, which in turn improves their concentration in the classroom, making them better prepared to learn across all subjects.
2. Stronger mathematical and logical thinking
While music education is often seen as an art form, it has deep connections to mathematics. Learning about rhythm, time signatures, and musical patterns reinforces key concepts in mathematics, such as fractions, symmetry, and spatial relationships.
For young children, this is incredibly valuable. Research from the University of Southern California shows that children who are involved in music education from a young age tend to have higher spatial-temporal reasoning skills that are foundational to understanding maths and science. For example, learning musical rhythms involves understanding fractions and proportionality – skills that align closely with mathematical thinking. Primary-aged children who engage in music education are better able to grasp abstract mathematical concepts because their brains are already exercising skills related to patterns, structure, and logic through their musical training. Through these connections, music becomes a fun and accessible gateway to understanding complex mathematical concepts.
3. Language and literacy development
One of the most immediate academic benefits of music for primary-aged children is the boost to their language and literacy skills. Music education helps children develop their listening skills, which is key to language acquisition. Students who participate in music education are better able to recognise sounds and phonemes, which are fundamental to reading and writing.
The Music Education report shows music learning improves auditory discrimination, which directly impacts literacy skills. When children learn music, they develop the ability to distinguish between different sounds, pitches, and rhythms – skills that are essential for reading comprehension and phonetic awareness.
Additionally, learning to read music, just like learning to read words, requires children to understand symbols and patterns, further strengthening their literacy abilities. The practise of singing and performing music helps to improve verbal fluency and language comprehension, supporting overall language development in a way that is engaging and enjoyable – critical in the primary years.
The benefits of music for children extend far beyond cognitive abilities, nurturing emotional and social development that is crucial in these early years.
4. Emotional expression and self-regulation
Music education offers children a safe and structured way to express their emotions, which is especially important for very young children who are still developing their emotional vocabulary. Playing an instrument or singing can serve as a form of emotional release, helping children process feelings such as excitement, frustration, or joy.
Additionally, the discipline required to learn an instrument or participate in a choir teaches children self-regulation skills. The repetition and practise involved in mastering a piece of music build patience and perseverance, qualities that will serve children well in their academic pursuits and later in life. An Australian report by The Tony Foundation shows that children who participate in music education develop greater resilience and emotional intelligence.
5. Improved social skills and teamwork
Music education fosters an environment of collaboration. Whether in a class band, choir, or small ensemble, children learn how to work together toward a common goal, share responsibilities, and listen to each other. These social skills are invaluable during the primary years when children are learning how to interact with their peers.
The act of making music together also helps children develop empathy and cooperation. They learn that, in an ensemble, everyone’s contribution is important, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Children who work in a group setting like this often develop stronger friendships and show improved social competence.
6. Building confidence through performance
Performing music in front of others—whether in a classroom setting, a school assembly, or a concert—helps children build confidence in their abilities. For many primary-aged students, stepping into the spotlight for the first time can be a powerful experience, one that boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to take risks in other areas of life.
Music also provides a space for children to take pride in their accomplishments. As they learn new skills, master difficult pieces, and perform for an audience, they gain a sense of achievement that motivates them to continue working hard both in music and in their academic studies.
While the immediate benefits of music education for children are significant, the long-term academic advantages cannot be overstated.
7. Stronger academic habits
The practice of learning music fosters habits such as discipline, time management, and goal setting. These habits translate into better performance in other areas of schoolwork and provide children with the tools they need to succeed in later years.
8. Better performance in standardised testing
Studies have shown that children involved in music education consistently outperform their peers in standardised tests. Music students often score higher in areas such as reading, vocabulary, and mathematics. These benefits are most evident when music is introduced at an early age, providing a head-start that contributes to academic success throughout primary and secondary school.
9. Cultivates lifelong skills
The skills developed through music education – critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and perseverance – serve children well in every aspect of their academic and personal lives. They are also transferable to future careers, whether in the arts, business, technology, or beyond.
At All Saints Grammar, we recognise that the early years of a child’s education are crucial for setting the stage for lifelong success. Our music program at the Primary campus is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience, fostering not just academic excellence but also personal growth and creativity. By integrating music education into our curriculum, we help our students build strong cognitive skills, emotional resilience, and social competence – skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Whether it’s through music classes, individual lessons, our Stage One Violin program or participation in choir, drama, the school band or other ensembles, All Saints Grammar offers numerous opportunities for children to explore their musical talents while excelling academically. To learn more about how our music program and academic curriculum can help your child unlock their full potential, from PreKinder through to Year 12, download our prospectus today.
