The Effect of Music Education on Math Ability in Children

Abstract

The decline of music education in schools has raised questions about potential cognitive benefits of music training, specifically in mathematical areas. Existing research suggests that music training may improve skills important for math, such as pattern recognition, and working memory. In this paper I review correlational and experimental studies linking music training with math performance. Correlational studies suggest that music training is related to math, but it’s hard for them to prove a strong causal link because they struggle with potential confounding effects of outside variables. However, proving a causal connection through experimental studies remains a challenge due to the expense, ethics, and time needed for an effective study. Overall, studies find some evidence for a connection between music and math, but call for more research. To better understand this topic, future studies should focus on issues like finding long term effects, and isolating effects of musical training. Strengthening research designs and finding more evidence can lay the groundwork for evidence on the importance of musical training.