research

Want to Teach Kids Empathy? Try Music.

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A new study recently found that children who simultaneously participate in a physically engaging, time-based activity feel more positively towards each and can experience greater empathy for one another. According to the lead author of the study, “[s]ynchrony is like a glue that brings people together — it’s a magical connector for people.” The word “synchrony” is key.  When people interact together in rhythm
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Science Says: Music Makes You a Better Reader

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We love it when science backs up again and again what music teachers and parents have known for a long time – music and music classes have significant and far-reaching benefits that extend beyond singing, moving, and playing instruments and into areas of brain development, academic advantage, language development, literacy, and more.  In particular, new research is highlighting the powerful connection between music and
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Helmets and Music Training Both Protect Kids’ Brains

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Researchers continue to find more and more connections between music training and cognitive function. In a recent study, scientists determined that music training in the early years prevented the decline of speech listening comprehension, or speech recognition, in the later years of life. What may seem like a hearing problem in older adults may actually be a decline in the brain’s ability to parse,
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Music Class: Where Shoes Aren’t Required But Participation Is

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When it comes to gaining the most benefit from a music class, there are three essentials of participation – engagement, consistency, and longevity.  This according to a recent study led by Dr. Nina Kraus, the Hugh Knowles professor of communication sciences in the School of Communication and of neurobiology and physiology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern “Our results support
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New Research: Teaching self-regulation increases school readiness

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“To researchers’ awe, music and movement experiences help children better self-regulate behavior and enjoy a safe, creative outlet for self-expression. Studies point to a specific cluster of social-emotional skills—called self-regulation skills—as particularly important for a variety of school successes.”  (Dr. Debby Pool, Vice President at Kindermusik International) According to a new study from Oregon State University co-authored by child development expert Megan McClelland, children with
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Want a better memory? Learn to play an instrument.

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With increasingly more sophisticated technological advances, researchers are learning more and more about the powerful effects of music on the brain and the cognitive advantages of learning to play an instrument. A recent study at the University of Texas at Arlington gave researchers a unique glimpse into the brains of professional musicians, skilled musicians who had been playing an instrument for a number of
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New Research: Teaching Self-Control Leads to Academic Improvements

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How our brains regulate and manage cognitive processes is referred to as executive function.  As with most cognitive skills, executive function is a skill that grows and develops in children as they grow and develop. According to this recent and fascinating article in Science Daily, the executive functions that are crucial for a child to develop include the ability to: avoid distractions focus attention
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Kids Tap Their Way to Better Grammar

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“Conjunction Junction wants your function? Hooking up words and phrases and clauses.” Do you know the rest of the lyrics to that old School House Rock favorite? Take a listen and sing along! You might be surprised to learn that the song provided more than a Saturday morning distraction. It also actually taught children about grammar. In fact, a first-of-its-kind research study from Vanderbilt
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New Research: Music Therapy Benefits Babies

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Deanna Hanson-Abromeit, assistant professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, is doing some significant work in learning how music helps premature infants not just survive, but thrive, according to this recent article from the Kansas Health Institute. Dr. Joanne Loewy, director of the music therapy department of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York, highlighted some of the
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How to Teach Babies Language Skills Before They Can Talk

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Do you ever wonder what newborns would say if they could talk? Where am I? What just happened? Who turned on the lights? Whew, that was a lot of work! I’m exhausted. Why is everyone staring at me? Do I have something on my face? Mom! Dad! It’s me! Truth is—most newborns all say the same thing: WaaaaWaaaa! Of course, children aren’t born talking.
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