Weekly music lessons increase IQ.

By Diba Mostadim and Candice Hakimfar
Diba Mostadim and Candice HakimfarLearning an instrument is proven to help children excel beyond the basic ABCs whether one aspires to become the next famous musician or sings for fun in the shower.

Research has proven that learning a musical instrument enhances education and improves many skills that children use in other subjects. Making music is more than just using fingers or voice; it requires children to tap into multiple skill sets simultaneously. Research has shown that music is linked to language development, increased IQ, improved test scores, and confidence.

One of the breakthroughs in children ages two through nine is music’s benefit in language development. Music education helps children decode sounds and words because the brain is better able to extract meaning from sound and pay attention to surroundings.

Musicians are more aware of qualities such as timing, tone, and pitch. Music training is shown to physically develop the left side of the brain, which helps process language. Thus, the relationship between language development and music is socially advantageous especially to children because the root of social competence is language competence. A music experience overall strengthens the capacity to be verbally adequate.

Studies show that children who receive weekly music lessons are proven to have an increase in IQ. In a study, students with music lessons were compared to students without music lessons. Over the school year, the children given music lessons tested three IQ points higher because music produces growth of neural activity.

Music training is proven to assist with the focus needed to perform well on standardized testing. Another study shows that students regardless of socioeconomic disparities with superior music education programs scored on average 20 percent higher in math and 22 percent higher on standardized tests. Music lessons have positive effects on a young children’s success.

Music-related activities improve children’s confidence. When one puts their heart into learning an instrument, real-world skills, such as, creative thinking, social skills, and performance experience are developed, thus creating an overall sense of confidence.

Diba Mostadim and Candice Hakimfar are two young musicians who founded The Royal Music Academy and are passionate about their students and their program.