While many music courses and lessons are often available to students, you may be surprised to hear that studies have found a strong correlation between music and increased academic performance in courses like math, science, and English. A common misconception is that music students lack time for studying because they spend the majority of their time in a practice room. As a result, some may think that they underperform on their exams compared to their peers.
How Music Affects Academic Performance
Researchers Márta Janurik and Krisztián Józsa conducted a study to determine the impact of a student’s musical ability on arithmetic performance. They administered students both a musical abilities and arithmetic test. The results showed that students who were involved in musical performance indeed showcased moderately higher performance on the math exam. However, an even stronger correlation was exhibited, producing an r-value of 0.53 (on a scale of -1 to 1). The researchers provided students with challenging tasks that required pitch and rhythm perception. Those who achieved higher results also scored significantly higher on the cognitive exam. In effect, the study demonstrated that students who had stronger musical abilities also had elevated executive brain function.
For us musicians, practice is essential. We find ourselves, at least trying to practice daily. These skills of determination and persistence are important as we subconsciously develop and apply them to our academic lives. For example, there are moments when we lack the motivation to start our homework or study for an upcoming test. Many people tend to procrastinate and end up cramming the night before the due date. However, as musicians, we have learned the importance of daily practice in preparation for performances or competitions (we wouldn’t want to be unprepared on stage, would we?). Therefore, we have developed a commitment to consistency and time management, leading us to submit our assignments earlier while planning more effectively.
Playing music—maybe even being a part of a quartet—can also help us develop other musical skills. As music students, we read sheet music or lyrics, develop eye-hand-mind coordination, listen carefully, and develop collaborative skills for quartet/ensemble playing. Researchers have claimed that these musical abilities significantly boost cognitive capabilities and confidence. While your talent and skill are important and something to be truly proud of, it is your experiences and the time you spend engaging with music that benefit your academic performance.
