How Music Boosts Cognitive Development in Classrooms
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Can playing music boost students’ academic success?
Over the past decade, music education in England’s state schools has experienced a notable decline, influenced by policy changes and funding constraints. The introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in 2010, which emphasises core academic subjects, has inadvertently marginalised creative disciplines …
Why is music not a priority in our classrooms?
As I continue to explore cognitive neuroscience, translating some of the research recommendations into the classroom, I recently moved over to the topic of music. This has got me thinking about the curriculum in our schools and how the time spent providing music to pupils in English state schools has diminished. Here are some statistics:
- Between the 2013/14 and 2022/23 academic years, there was a 30% decrease in the number of students entering GCSE Music (House of Lords).
- Entries for A-Level Music have decreased by 43% from 2010 to 2023, with a corresponding 36% reduction in teaching hours at Key Stage 5 since 2011 (Music Teacher Magazine)
- 42% of state-funded schools in England no longer enter any pupils for GCSE Music! (Music Teacher Magazine)
- Over 50% of state-funded secondary schools, music was not taught throughout Key Stage 3 (ISM)
- Two in five primary teachers report that pupils lack access to free instrumental lessons, with music classes increasingly taught by non-specialists. (SchoolsWeek)
- Approximately 35% of secondary schools do not offer regular music lessons to Year 9 students (TeacherTapp).
The evidence is clear that music education has diminished in our state school system. Let’s now turn to some academic research and consider the benefits of music …
Playing a musical instrument rewires the brain, creating capable learners equipped for academic and social success.
This research focuses on how playing musical instruments impacts brain development, particularly in children. Published in 2016, Instruments of Knowledge: Music and the Brain (Stoklosa, 2016) suggests that playing instruments enhances problem-solving, creativity, and memory.
Music isn’t just about creativity; it’s a powerful tool for boosting learning outcomes.
Engaging with instruments stimulates multiple brain regions, improves connectivity between hemispheres, and equips children with skills transferable across subjects. Studies highlight benefits like improved speech processing, memory enhancement, and emotional resilience.
Better strategies for the curriculum
Playing an instrument is one of the most intricate cognitive challenges, engaging motor, auditory, and visual systems simultaneously. It strengthens neural connections, particularly in the corpus callosum, enabling faster communication between brain hemispheres. Research also shows enhanced grey and white matter development in musicians’ brains, making them better equipped to handle complex tasks in academic and social settings.
Neuroscientific studies demonstrate its role in improving reading skills, memory, and problem-solving, especially for disadvantaged pupils. It’s not just a creative outlet; it’s a foundational activity for cognitive and emotional growth!
What can all teachers do?
- Primary teachers can introduce music through group lessons or affordable instrument hire schemes.
- Secondary schools might collaborate with community programmes, to provide access to regular training.
- School and colleges leaders can support extracurricular to ensure music remains accessible to all.
- Even embedding rhythm exercises into lessons can bring the benefits of music to every subject.
- You could even consider your school bell too!
Reflection questions for teachers
- How could musical moments in class boost outcomes in your classroom?
- What affordable strategies could introduce more musical moments into schools?
- Could rhythm or musical mnemonics enhance learning in other subjects?
- What partnerships with local musicians or arts organisations might support pupils?
- How could musical moments be tailored to meet SEND needs?
- Are there opportunities to promote music as all subjects in your school?
- How might musical moment participation improve pupils’ emotional wellbeing?
- What professional development might teachers need to integrate music effectively into lessons?
- Could extracurricular music clubs offer broader access to disadvantaged pupils?
- How could school and college leaders advocate for the academic benefits of music?
The research concludes:
“Playing a musical instrument rewires the brain, creating a capable learner equipped for academic and social success.”
Download the full paper to explore the findings further.
