There are direct correlations between musical training and increased language, reasoning, spatial intelligence, creativity, and problem solving, among other benefits. These are fundamental skills that children take into adulthood and into their workplace, families, and community.
A Stanford University study showed that mastering a musical instrument improves brain processing in areas associated with language development, and may have implications for improving language/reading skills (Gabrieli, John, http://news-service.stanford.edu, Nov. 2005). Other research demonstrates that children with music training have significantly better verbal memory than those without such training, and the longer the training, the better the verbal memory (Ho, Y.C., Cheung, M.C., & Chan, A. 2003. Neuropsychology, 12).
It has been suggested that music students may develop enhanced intelligence and learning abilities because they are trained to:
• Recognize melodic and rhythmic patterns
• Listen critically and imitate — thereby improving general aural skills
• Develop high concentration, resulting in increased ability to focus
• Translate musical notation into precise fine motor patterns
• Decode an intricate system of melodic and rhythmic symbols
• Memorize complex passages
• Analyze form and structure in the music
