ABSTRACT
This chapter draws together evidence from studies utilising a range of methodologies – including brain imaging, quantitative measures and qualitative methods – that have contributed to our understanding of how engagement with music performance affects individuals through the life course. Available evidence suggests that music training has positive effects on various areas of cognition, including intellectual development, memory and spatial reasoning. Studies with school-age children indicate positive associations between music participation and mathematics, language and literacy as well as academic achievement in a number of school subjects. Individuals engaged in musical activities that lead to mastery experiences tend to have more positive academic self-concept, higher levels of educational motivation and more positive attitudes towards school. For children, especially those coming from challenging backgrounds and/or who have experienced adverse life conditions, music participation supports the development of feelings of social inclusion. There are well-documented benefits of music engagement for mental health and emotional wellbeing across the lifespan, from infants to seniors. Group music-making supports the development of elements of prosocial behaviour such as teamwork skills, building of trust, cooperation, spontaneous helping and cooperative problem-solving. Music participation can be beneficial for juvenile and adult offenders as well as persons at risk of delinquency, as it facilitates the development of a positive self-image and a sense of empowerment that can motivate individuals to change their lives around. Community music interventions have been very successful in engaging at-risk youth and lead to many social, emotional and cognitive benefits.
