Cognitive Benefits
A Workout for the Brain

It's not just "fun." Music really does do incredible things for the developing brain and continues to do right by us as we grow. Here are some of my favorite resources in support of this statement.

Anecdotal

Emory University: Music Has Big Brain Benefits Compared to Other Leisure Pursuits

The Guardian: Want to 'train your brain'? Forget apps, learn a musical instrument

Ideapod: Derelict school becomes national leader by making a surprising subject compulsory

Inc.: The Benefits of Playing Music Help Your Brain More Than Any Other Activity

MedicalXpress: Music lessons improve children's skills and cognitive performance: study

Mic: The Scientific Reasons We Should Teach Music to Kids in School

NAfME: Music's Effect on the Brain Infographic

Scientific American: Hearing the Music, Honing the Mind

TED: How Playing An Instrument Benefits Your Brain (Video)

TIME: This Is How Music Can Change Your Brain

​USC News: Children's Brains Develop Faster with Music Training

The Washington Post: Music Lessons Spur Emotional and Behavioral Growth in Children, New Study Says

Quantitative

Americans for the Arts: Arts Students Outperform Non-Arts Students on SAT's

​Americans for the Arts: Early Childhood Arts Education Improves Vocabulary, Communication, and Memory in Young Children

Chalkbeat: Extra Arts Education Boosts Students' Writing Scores - And Their Compassion, Big New Study Finds

The Dana Foundation: Learning, Arts and the Brain

Forbes: High School Students Do Better In Science, Math And English If They Also Take Music Lessons

NAMM: Research Briefs - Did You Know?

Pacific Standard - Making Music Builds a More Efficient Brain

Psychology Today - Music Participation Is Linked to Teen's Academic Achievement

The Royal Conservatory of Music: The Benefits of Music Education - An Overview of Current Neuroscience Research

TMEA: Texas All-State Musician SAT Averages