A new study by Neuroscientists in Chile has shown that children that learn to play a musical instrument and go on to practice and perform regularly have increased memory, greater creativity and prolonged attention skills.

They found that the children have greater activation in brain regions related to attention control and auditory encoding, executive functions known to be associated with improved reading, higher resilience, greater creativity, and a better quality of life.

Working memory

The study at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Universidad del Desarrollo Chile, tested the attention and working memory of 40 Chilean children between 10-13 years of age.

20 played an instrument, had had at least two years of lessons, played at least 2 hours a week and regularly played in an orchestra or ensemble.

Meanwhile, 20 control children, recruited from public schools in Santiago, had had no musical training other than in the school curriculum.

Significant difference

Both were assessed with a significant difference in memory functions for those who played musical instruments.

Lead scientist and violin player Dr Leonie Kausel, was asked whether she would recommend children taking music lessons.

It is now hoped that the research will be used to see if it can be of long term benefit to children with attention deficit disorders4BR

Boost functions

She replied "Of course, I would recommend that. However, I think parents should not only enrol their children because they expect that this will help them boost their cognitive functions, but because it is also an activity that, even when very demanding, will provide them with joy and the possibility to learn a universal language."

It is now hoped that the research will be used to see if it can be of long term benefit to children with attention deficit disorders.