Nina Kraus|Jessica Slater|Elaine C. Thompson|Jane Hornickel|Dana L. Strait|Trent Nicol|Travis White?Schwoch
Music Enrichment Programs Improve the Neural Encoding of Speech in At-Risk Children
Northwestern University
musicians often reported enhanced neurophysiological functions especially auditory system musical training thought improve nervous system function focusing attention meaningful acoustic cues improvements auditory processing cascade language cognitive skills correlational studies reported musician enhancements variety populations across life span light reports educators considering potential cocurricular music programs provide auditorycognitive enrichment children critical developmental years date however studies evaluated biological changes following participation existing successful music education programs used randomized control design investigate whether community music participation induces tangible change auditory processing community music training longstanding successful program provides free music instruction children underserved backgrounds stand high risk learning social problems children completed 2 years music training stronger neurophysiological distinction stop consonants neural mechanism linked reading language skills one year training insufficient elicit changes nervous system function beyond 1 year however greater amounts instrumental music training associated larger gains neural processing therefore provide first direct evidence community music programs enhance neural processing speech atrisk children suggesting active repeated engagement sound changes neural function