When people typically cite the beneficial effects of music on mathematical understanding, it is the Mozart Effect that takes center stage.
In short, The Mozart Effect is a term that was coined after adults showed improved spatial-temporal reasoning after listening to classical music for 10 minutes. People were quick to jump to the conclusion that music makes you smarter.
And this is true!… But it is not the Mozart Effect that should get all the glory.
For Improved Intelligence, Focus on Preschoolers
The Mozart Effect involved a study with adults; and their improved spatial-temporal reasoning was the result of tests taken just 10 minutes after listening to classical music… long term effects were not measured. Which leaves the question, “Does music actually make you smarter?”
If you are a preschooler… yes!
Similar studies have exposed preschoolers to music, through piano lessons, over a period of months (not just 10 minutes) and found that preschoolers who were exposed to music showed marked improvement in spatial-temporal reasoning over their same-age peers who were not given piano lessons.
And the improvements lasted a lot longer than 10 minutes!
Starting Out Right
At WunderKeys, we recognize the importance of music for preschoolers; not just in math, but in life in general. We have worked hard to develop a program that is “out-of-this-world” enjoyable so that preschoolers are motivated to continue piano lessons and reap the rewards that music has to offer.
