Media release

From: Society for Neuroscience

Music on the brain: musical training improves auditory system development

A decade-long study comparing musicians and non-musicians elucidates the impact of nature and nurture on auditory neurodevelopment

Music is generally regarded as a positive influence on cognition and behavior, yet few have investigated the interplay between musical training and neurodevelopment or natural neurobiological disposition. Herein, investigators presented findings from a longitudinal study of 12 years called “Audio and Neuroplasticity of Musical Learning,” which combined a variety of imaging techniques and tests to measure neurological and behavioral differences 

between 66 musicians and 46 non-musicians at five different time points. Schneider, Seither-Preisler, and colleagues found that even at early stages of musical training, there were significant anatomical differences in the auditory cortex. They also discovered changes in synaptic strength as well as improved audio perception (frequency, tone duration, onset ramp, rhythm, and pitch) mediated by both age and music learning. These data elucidate the discrete and essential roles of nature and nurture (music training) in guiding the development and functionality of the auditory system.