The Scientifically Proven Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children

As a parent, you want activities that nurture your child’s growth — intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Piano lessons are often recommended for these reasons, but what does scientific research actually show?

Below, we break down key areas where peer-reviewed studies have explored the effects of musical training, including evidence, limitations, and what findings are most relevant to early piano education.

1. Music Training and Brain Function

Better Neural Processing of Sound

One of the strongest findings from neuroscience is that children who receive systematic music training show measurable changes in how their brains process sound, especially speech.

A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that after two years of music training, children developed stronger neural distinction of speech sounds, which is associated with language and reading skills. PubMed

This research suggests that active, repeated interaction with musical sounds, like learning piano, does more than just entertain; it shapes auditory pathways in the brain.

2. Music and Executive Function (Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility)

Meta-Analysis Shows Benefits in Preschool Children

A systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple controlled studies involving young children (ages 3–6) found significant improvements in:

• Inhibitory control (self-regulation)

• Working memory (holding and manipulating information)

• Cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks)

compared with children who did not receive similar music training. PubMed

This evidence is especially meaningful for early piano learners because these executive functions are key for focus, learning new skills, and adapting to structured practice.

3. Music and Working Memory Across Childhood

A large longitudinal study tracking children and young adults over several years found that those who practiced a musical instrument had greater improvements in working memory and processing speed over time. PubMed

This research controlled for other after-school activities and parental education, suggesting that music practice itself may support cognitive development.

4. Music and Language-Related Skills

Music Training Enhances Phonological Processing

Another well-cited study, though not always specific to piano, showed that weekly music instruction over six months led young children to better distinguish speech sounds, an important precursor to reading and language development. TIME

While this particular research did not find effects on IQ or general attention, the improvements in speech perception are directly relevant to language acquisition in early childhood.

5. Music and Early Literacy

Recent research published in the Early Childhood Education Journal explored how rhythm training — an element central to piano study — supports literacy development and working memory performance in early school-aged children. SpringerLink

This aligns with broader evidence that rhythm skills can transfer to reading and language tasks.

6. Brain Imaging and Musicians

Several studies using brain imaging have found that children with long-term musical training show structural and functional differences in brain regions related to auditory processing, motor control, and multimodal integration compared with non-musicians. While not always causal, these findings point to neuroplastic changes associated with sustained music engagement. IJNRD

The conclusion: What Parents Should Know

Here’s what the latest scientific research reliably suggests about children and music training like piano:

Positive Evidence

• Enhanced neural processing of sound and speech — linked to language skills and reading foundations. PubMed

• Improved executive function (memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) in young learners. PubMed

• Associations between sustained musical practice and enhanced working memory development. PubMed

• Rhythm training correlates with literacy and cognitive skills. SpringerLink

References (Selected Peer-Reviewed Studies)

1. Music enrichment programs improve the neural encoding of speech in at-risk children. J Neurosci. 2014. PubMed

2. Effects of music training on executive functions in preschool children aged 3–6 years. PubMed. 2022. PubMed

3. Music practice is associated with development of working memory during childhood and adolescence. PubMed. 2014. PubMed

4. Rhythm and reading: connecting rhythm training to literacy skills. Early Childhood Education Journal. 2024. SpringerLink

5. Music literacy improves reading skills via bilateral orthographic development. Scientific Reports. 2024. Nature

6. Meta-analysis on cognitive and academic benefits of music training. Memory & Cognition. 2020.