Academic Achievement
HIGHER SCORES IN LANGUAGE AND MATH: Cambridge researchers found that those who studied a musical instrument generally scored higher in language and mathematics than their colleagues.
EFFECTS ON IQ: Although the "Mozart Effect" has been debunked there are studies that suggest those that study music score higher on IQ tests than their peers.
Mental Health
REDUCED STRESS: A study aimed at evaluating the effects of creative arts activities on human psychology and physiology found that the piano playing group had markedly decreased cortisol levels when comparing pre and post-session measurements.
INCREASED EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: A June 2022 study showed a link between music education and greater emotional intelligence. This increased emotional competence aids in providing mental health stability during difficult times.
INCREASED CONFIDENCE: An interesting study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic years found a link between music education and greater self-esteem that helped combat a dramatic rise in anxiety and depression.
Positive Changes to Brain Development
INCREASED GREY MATTER: In a 2003 study by Harvard neurologists Christian Gaser and Gottfried Schlaug it was found that adult professional and amateur musicians had an increase in grey matter volume when compared to the non-musician study group.
MOTOR AND AUDITORY IMPROVEMENTS: Another study by a group of neurologists showed structural brain changes associated with motor and auditory improvements after 15 months of musical training during early childhood.
PRESERVED COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING: A study of persons that studied music for more than 10 years showed better preservation of memory, naming and executive functions at an advanced age.