Learning your do-re-mis in school can do a lot more than ‘look good on a CV’. 

According to Mary Luehrisen (executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation), “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning.” Research shows that in learning music skills are enhanced as well as easing the learning of other subjects. Essentially, music is not the mere knowledge of where to place one’s finger on the finger board, or which note is C and which is C# on a keyboard- but the simultaneous use of multiple and various skill sets. This includes the translation of notes on a stave (in many different clefs) to an instrument and playing these notes in a certain position or using a certain technique; all of this is expected to be done consistently throughout a single piece. With regular practice, these skill sets become stronger, and the conversion of this skills in other areas of life may be of use to many people.

The study and understanding of Music also aids in language development. Studies have indicated that musical training develops part of the left side of the brain (which is known to be the area involved with processing language. Music can be seen as a significant factor of language development as it requires students and children to decode certain sounds and words (what vocal shapes form certain vowel sounds). When a child first begins to speaks, this is essentially what happens- with the extra practice that comes with musical training, language development (in young people especially) is well-aided. This relationship with music and language is also of a social benefit to young children. This is because prolonged language development enhances the part of the brain that assists in processing music; moreover, musical experience strengthens the capacity of verbal competence, and strength in language is a social pillar.

Whilst music can improve one’s abilities in learning non-musical subjects, it is important to understand that it doe not magically increase one’s intellectual capacity- listening to Mozart will not make you smarter.