Canny Minds Blog

Learning to play a new Instrument

Posted on 11. Mar, 2010 by Jenny in Articles, Children, General

Learning to play a musical instrument can help children to learn languages.

 This new claim emanates from research at Northwestern University, Chicago,  which shows that musical instruments increase the brain’s sensitivity to sounds including speech.

American researchers claim to have found a link between musical ability and the capacity of the nervous system to take in sound patterns. Music lessons can therefore have a direct impact on a child’s ability to learn languages. Exposure to music could be beneficial to the brain in its developmental stages and would have advantages for all children, including those who are dyslexic or autistic. Music can help children to communicate and interact with those around them, to relax or to express emotions.

Daily Telegraph

March 2010

Photo Courtesy of  Sara Bjork