When reading from different sources about the benefits of music on academic performance, one can quickly conclude that music has a positive effect on our health and academic performance. Both aspects of music- listening to music when studying and learning music- show an increase in the following:
1. Music positively affects brain development.
This applies especially in the areas dealing with language acquisition and reading skills. It also stimulates cognitive development, improved memory and focus, mathematical skills and spatial awareness. It also activates different areas of the brain which work together, encouraging coordination between the different parts of the brain and strengthening it.
2. Music helps children (and adults) feel happy and come in touch with their emotions.
Meaning that they feel less anxious, can relax, and can engage in dancing and movements that release feel-good hormones, and encourages self-expression.
3. Helps develop organizational skills
If your child is learning a musical instrument, they are learning to be committed and to plan time more efficiently to balance school and music. This results in better time management skills. In turn, this would lead to fewer anxious feelings about deadlines and being able to balance priorities and perform better at school.
4. Not always a good idea
In some cases, however, music might be a distraction for the child. Especially if the music played while studying is either loud or makes the child agitated. Music with lyrics that the student may be trying to focus on is another form of distraction. Thus it is important to teach our children to be aware of how music affects them and which type of music may be the best for their studying purposes.
5. Increases motivation
Another benefit of music when studying is the child’s motivation. By associating a reward with studying – which can be either playing background music or an
instrument once they finalise their task. Through this, children become more motivated to complete the task at hand, possibly increasing their engagement with such tasks.
6. It’s not just about the music
One final aspect is to be careful that your child doesn’t depend solely on music. This is because at school or under examination conditions, are unable to play music to help recall the studied material. Ideally, you encourage a mixture of sensory inputs when your child is studying so that you increase the probability of recalling the information needed by the child.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Abigail Church is a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor who works with adults and children through counselling with Willingness . She can be contacted on abigail@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.
Bibliography:
Bright Horizons. (2022). Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development. Brighthorizons.com. https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/Article/music-and children-rhythm-meets-child development#:~:text=Music%20ignites%20all%20areas%20of,sounds%20and%20mea nings%20of%20words. Kris, D. F. (2021, December 6). How music can help kids learn literacy skills – MindShift. KQED. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/58810/how-music-can-help-kids-learn-literacy skills