Your Brain on Music: The Cognitive Benefits of Music Education

Music education has been scientifically proven to have cognitive benefits; these benefits include: greater attention span, increased ability in geometrical skills, improved performance in mathematical problem solving and spatial tasks, heightened fluency in reading, and greater short-term and long-term memory. These benefits give music educators a platform from which to advocate for the retention and growth of their programs and to encourage music as a lifelong pursuit.


About the Author
Laura Saunders holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Liberty University and a M.A.Ed in Music Education from the University of Nebraska. She has conducted choirs in the school and church setting and is passionate about inspiring others with her contagious love of music. In addition to being a music educator, she is a solo singer. As a trained vocalist, Laura has had many opportunities to sing classically. Such opportunities include performing the soprano solos for Handel's Messiah, Rutter's Gloria, and William's Dona Nobis Pacem. In February of 2010 Laura auditioned for, and was selected by, renowned composer Mark Hayes to sing the soprano solos for his Gloria under his direction. Laura firmly believes that all should be afforded the opportunity to participate in music programs. Contact: www.LauraSaundersMinistry.org