Dr. Sylvain Moreno (PhD, male) and colleagues conducted a study at York University in which 48 children between four and six years of age received two hours of either visual art or music-based training per day.

Verbal and spatial intelligence were assessed before and after 20 days of instruction. Significant improvement of cognitive functioning ability was observed in 90% of the children from the music group, compared to less than 20% in the visual art group.

Non-invasive brain imaging tests also confirmed the changes. The strong link between music and cognitive development provides the scientific basis for future improvements of education programs.

Our thankfulness, Dr. Sylvain Moreno and fellow researchers, for demonstrating one of the amazing benefits of music. May inner and outer melodies bring joy and healthy development to individuals around the globe.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-10-young-children-iq.html
http://news.yorku.ca/2011/10/04/music-based-training-improves-preschoolers-verbal-iq-york-u-study/
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/bcfg-ycs100411.php