Friday, June 28, 2019

An extensive new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada shows that students who took music lessons in high school performed better in subjects such as English, science, and math. While research like this has been done before, the current UBC study takes into account factors that may be confounding variables to the results of a student’s academic performance as related to music education. Such factors include the presence of mentors in a student’s life who encourage them to take music classes, or a student’s socioeconomic background. Both factors may make a student more or less inclined to study music or perform well academically. The UBC research team corrected for these factors in their data analysis, and they still found a clear and positive effect of music lessons on academic performance.

The researchers also consider that there is a possible motivational factor: Students who take music lessons see a tangible result from practice - they get better - and they might apply that to their other work. Additionally, the non-competitive team aspect of making music together could strengthen students’ social development, which would also help them in other areas.
Yes
Source Name: 
Forbes
Author Name: 
Eva Amsen