How Music Helps Improve Student Performance

We have all heard the saying that music can soothe the savage beast, but did you also realize there is research proving that music can also increase student performance?

There are more benefits to playing music in the classroom and at home for your students than you might have realized. 

Music Activates Both the Left and Right Brain at the Same Time
A theory was created by several scientific individuals that a person is either left-brain or right-brain dominant. If you are analytical in your thinking, then you use more of the left side of your brain. However, if you are more creative, you are using the right side of your brain more dominantly. 

With this in mind, no pun intended; while music is playing, it is said that the person uses both sides of the brain, and this increases memory and learning. Playing music softly in the background while children are studying is not a bad thing at all. 

Music Is Good for the Body
Whether it is classical music or hard rock, depending upon your preference, music can get the blood circulating through the body at a quicker rate, according to a study published in the journal of the American Heart Association. 

Increased circulation means blood and oxygen travel through the body at a reasonable rate of speed, bringing with it the ability to have organs functioning correctly. Plus, wounds will heal faster, vitamins and minerals will be absorbed better, and blood pressure can lower. 

Reduce Stress and Anxiety
We have all been there. We experience a really tough day that can almost have us in tears, but when our favorite songs start to play, the stress can almost magically seem to leave our bodies. The right music can uplift our spirits, and anxiety will be left behind for a while. 

Improve Brain Function
Research studies stretching back more than a hundred years show increased overall brain function while background music plays. Interestingly, one study detailed that the students could answer more questions entirely and correctly when music played softly in the background. 

Students Who Also Are Musically Inclined Have Stronger Memories
Children and adults who have had musical training generally have healthier brains than those who have not had music lessons. Plus, they are less likely to suffer from memory issues from dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life. In fact, to receive these benefits, an individual can start taking music lessons at any time regardless of their age.

If you know of children or adults who would love to start taking music lessons from knowledgeable tutors, iAchieve can be of assistance. We offer in-person and online lessons through remote learning for virtually any musical instrument. 

Next Time
As an educator or a parent, the next time you walk into a room and the kids are studying with music playing in the background, just know that they could be benefitting from it. Of course, if the music is blaring and possibly causing long-term hearing loss, it would be wise to reduce the volume to a more acceptable level!

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