This is because the learning of music uses similar parts of the brain as learning a language, and therefore increases the capacity of the brain to learn new concepts. This, along with the cultivation of better critical thinking skills leads music students to perform better on tests such as the S.A.T. (Arts Education). The act of playing music is good practice for the part of the brain in charge of memory and retention. By learning music, children are developing a wide array of reasoning and problem-solving skills (Department for Culture). These skills will help them when faced with problems on a test. Music covers many aspects of thinking (Waddell). Not only does it give you the right brain experience, but it also works the left brain. "Music is left-brained in terms of notes, but it's right-brained in terms of expression" (Waddell). Rhythmically challenging music can exercise the left brain just as much as a math class can; therefore, the practice of playing music is a well-balanced workout for the brain and can improve a student's performance in other academic areas.
Music provides students with an opportunity to learn how to think outside the box. "An artistic performance of a composition requires many forms of thinking and knowing, ranging on a wide continuum from the most convergent to the most divergent, from the most tacit to the most verbally explicit, from the most practical to the most abstract" (Elliot 60). There are many different situations that arise in musical performance that require a higher level of thinking and problem-solving. These and many other practical life skills acquired through music making can be transferred and utilized in other parts of a student's life (Yoon 3). "Music engages a person's entire system of conscious powers" (Elliot 60). The creativity used in music-making is a tool that can be used by students in all areas of their lives, helping them to think outside the box.
