Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Help dramatically improve your children's behaviour through playing music or singing!!

A new study by Davies et al (2013) has shown that both singing or playing a musical instrument can dramatically improve children's behaviour.

The study compared two groups of four year old children.  The children were randomly allocated to one of two groups - a music group, where the children played percussion instruments and sang, and a story group - where children listened to a story. 

Following the activities, the children were measured on helpfulness and cooperation.

The children who played music, were 30 times more likely to be helpful, and 6 times more likely to cooperate, than the children who participated in the story activity.  

The results of this study support the prosocial benefits of music - playing an instrument or singing can be an easy and fun way to help young children behave better!!  More reason than ever to find fun ways to encourage kids to make music!!


Saturday, 18 January 2014

The Psychological Benefits of Playing Music

Many studies show that listening to music can enhance performance on cognitive tasks for a short period.  This may be due to effect of music on mood and arousal....but what about playing music!?  Does this have more long term effects on intellectual ability?


A study by Schellenberg (2005) showed that music lessons in childhood provide "small and general but long lasting intellectual benefits" and that these benefits could not be attributed to other factors like family income and the education level of parents.



With Shellenberg's study in mind - playing a musical instrument may make it easier to perform well at other non-music related intellectual tasks.

Thinking of taking up music lessons!?  It's never too late!!!

After playing the guitar since the age of eight, there is no gift I am more grateful for having!!   It's fun, relaxing, and there is always something new to learn!!


Cushions - Country Road Home
Lipstick - Lancome Rouge 132
Photos by Lachy Doley