How Music Transforms the Growing Brain

Christie Dittmer
Jan 8
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

For decades, parents and educators have sensed that music does something remarkable inside a child’s mind. Today, neuroscience confirms it: learning music actually changes the structure and function of the brain.

Far from being a luxury or an “extra,” music turns out to be a vital piece of a student's academic program and a wonderfully effective way to strengthen the growing mind.

Here are four of the most powerful ways music reshapes a child’s cognitive development—and why it matters so deeply for homeschool families.

1. Music Strengthens Neural Pathways in the Brain

When a child learns music, their brain begins building stronger networks—actual physical connections between the brain's neurons. MRI studies show that young musicians often develop increased white matter, which means faster and more efficient communication inside the brain.

In everyday life, this translates to quicker processing, better concentration, and improved learning skills across all subjects.

2. Music Boosts Memory and Language Skills

Music and language share overlapping pathways in the brain. When children clap rhythms, sing melodic patterns, or play an instrument, the brain regions responsible for speech and reading become more active and more efficient.

This strengthens verbal memory, phonological awareness, and reading fluency. In many ways, music becomes “cross-training” for reading.

3. Music Sharpens Focus and Executive Function

Executive function—the ability to plan, focus, problem-solve, and follow multi-step tasks—is one of the best predictors of long-term academic success. Music training is uniquely demanding in these areas.

Whether a child is learning a new fingering pattern, reading notation, or listening carefully for intonation, music study is helping them develop self-control, sustained attention, and the ability to hold multiple instructions in mind at once.

4. Music Builds Emotional Intelligence

Music does more than train the mind—it shapes the heart.

Because music activates the brain’s emotional centers, it helps children interpret, understand, and express emotion. This fosters empathy, emotional awareness, and the ability to respond sensitively to the feelings of others.

For classical homeschool families, this connection between beauty and character formation is especially meaningful.

Why This Matters in Homeschooling

Music is not simply enrichment. It is formation.

It builds the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

And, homeschool parent, you don’t have to be a musician to bring the benefits of music into your homeschool. Thoughtful listening, exposure to great works, and opportunities to respond to music meaningfully can all make a lasting difference.

In fact, mutual music study - with you learning right alongside your children - is a wonderful experience that will help you all grow while you are building memories and practices that draw you closer to each other.

If you’d like a simple tool for music learning that you that's easily implemented in your homeschool - and enjoyable by your child independently or with you - take a look at the

MusicIQ program. Your brain will thank you!

Happy listening!