17 Reasons to Shout About World Music Day by We The Parents

Celebrating the benefits of music education is a perfect fit for World Music Day, which takes place this June 21. Originating in Paris, France, the festival, which is also called the Fête de la Musique, calls on amateur and professional musicians all around the globe to share their passion and talent for all to see.

Science has discovered that music education plays a truly vital role in a well-rounded curriculum, offering myriad positive non-musical outcomes that extend to schoolwork, emotional health, and social aptitude. When children play, study, and listen to music, they’re poised for developmental boosts that will gear them up for success.

• Time spent in instrumental training is correlated with a greater willingness and ability to persevere, as well as improved planning skills; both of these skills are necessary to advance in both schooling and career
• General music education has been associated with higher math, English, science, and history grades as well as improved scores on state-sanctioned standardized tests and higher IQ scores
• An improved ability to cope with anxiety, anger, and other difficult emotions is associated with music education, which MRI studies have shown speeds the maturation of an area of the brain associated with emotional maturity
• After receiving a period of instrumental training, children have been shown to demonstrate greater self-esteem as well as empathy toward peers; simply listening to music has also been associated with feelings of general happiness.

These benefits are remarkable, and they’re far from the only ones worth noting. This visualisation details 17 scientific studies on music education and the benefits they’ve found, so read on to learn more.