Music instruction can have lasting benefits

By Staff Writer

Children who take music lessons can improve their long-term brain functioning, according to a new study.

The report, which appears in the journal Neuropsychology, is based on cognitive tests of 70 healthy adults between the ages 60 and 83. The participants were divided into groups based on their levels of musical experience.
Researchers concluded that adults who had a musical background performed better on the tests than those who had never studied an instrument or learned how to read music. Although past research has shown that music education can benefit children, this is the first to show that these advantages can carry into one's elderly years.

All of the musicians in the study began studying music at about 10 years of age. A majority of the subjects played the piano, while about one-fourth had learned how to play woodwind instruments such as the clarinet or flute. Several participants had experience with string, percussion or brass instruments.

Children who have developmental disabilities may consider studying a musical instrument. Many summer camps offer these types of activities for kids.