Why study music?

People who are able to play a musical instrument or sing will always tell you that it is a soothing and satisfying pastime. However, many studies conducted over the last decade have added to our knowledge of all the other benefits that studying music brings to us.

Here is a short outline of these benefits:

1. Cognitive benefits. Music stimulates our brain in the most positive way and our brain reaps the benefits of this. A musician's brain differs from that of the ordinary person:

• Stronger neural connections

• More grey matter

• Better information processing

• Higher IQ

• Better memory and attention

• Better motor coordination

2. Increased speech and reading ability. Studies have shown that musically-trained children have better phonological skills, which can help them to learn words faster, develop a richer vocabulary, and learn to read sooner.

3. Increased empathy and social awareness. Music is inherently emotional, and musicians must learn to connect with people on an emotional level. When playing in a band or singing in a choir, you will learn how to share attention, cooperate and collaborate with other people.

4. Health benefits. Many studies have shown that the soothing effect of playing music brings life-long health benefits, and music therapy is already being used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders.