A new study published in the journal of Psychological Science and covered by media outlets including The Guardian and The Economist emphasized this: 

“Playing an instrument is linked to better cognition. “

Cognition, also known as the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thoughts, experiences, and the senses, is well-known to be linked to a range of positive outcomes such as getting a better job and enjoying improved health, especially in older age.

This latest study complements a whole host of prior research that further underscores the impact that playing a musical instrument has on language development, increased IQ, and improved test scores.

As Kenneth Guilmartin, Co-Founder of Music Together, highlights:

“Music learning supports all learning.”

But there is also a big difference between the passive act of listening to music and the active involvement in the musical process.

An older study from Northwestern University debunked the myth that just listening to certain types of music improves intelligence.

Nina Kraus, Director of Northwestern’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, said: “We don’t see these kinds of biological changes in people who are just listening to music, who are not playing an instrument.” She added: “I like to give the analogy that you’re not going to become physically fit just by watching sports.”

At Waterfront Montessori, our children are exposed to music both within school and have the option to take their love of music further with private lessons conducted by top instructors for piano, violin and guitar.