Formal string instrument training enhances the cognitive development of primary school children – Music Education Works

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Researchers from the University of Geneva and Université de Lausanne in Switzerland have found that formal, intensive, musical instrument training in a group setting in primary schools can enhance their cognitive development.

The study took place in public primary schools in popular (low-income) neighbourhoods in the Geneva area where the Orchestra in Class (OC) programme was part of the regular curriculum in French-speaking Switzerland. The study involved 69, 10-12 year-old children of varying ethnic and of relatively low socioeconomic backgrounds.

The intervention group of 34 children in two classes, learned to play string instruments, whereas the control group of 35 children in two classes, was sensitised to music via listening, theory and some practice.

After two years of 45-minute-a-week group music learning in the last two years of primary/elementary school, led by professional music educators, the OC group was found to have enhanced skills in working memory, attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility (ability to think about multiple concepts), matrix reasoning (abstract thinking), sensorimotor hand function and bimanual coordination (dexterity in the use and coordination of hand movements).

The researchers believe their results highlight the added value of intensive musical instrumental training in a group setting within the school curriculum.

SOURCES:
BiggerBetterBrains (Original source): https://biggerbetterbrains.com/
Frontiers in Neuroscience: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00567/full?utm_source=F-AAE&utm_medium=EMLF&utm_campaign=MRK_1365539_55_Neuros_20200630_arts_A

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