Learning a musical instrument during childhood and adolescence increases cognitive skills by one-fourth of a standard deviation and school grades by one-sixth of a standard deviation, effects that are twice as large as those from sports, according to a study in Germany by Adrian Hille and Jürgen Schupp of DIW Berlin. Moreover, adolescents with music training are more conscientious, open and ambitious. Studying music may boost brain functioning and, because it encourages persistence, may increase conscientiousness.

(Source: Economics of Education Review)

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business, March 30th , 2015

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