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Music Class May Improve Learning for Struggling Students

Neuroscientists from Northwestern University have released the results of a study of 40 low-income high school students, suggesting two to three hours of band class per week led to measurable cognitive improvements.

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Students of "Wind Ensemble 1," rehearse in the auditorium of Bowie High School in Austin, Texas.
Credit: Tamir Kalifa

Neuroscientists from Northwestern University have released the results of a study of 40 low-income high school students. The study shows that just two to three hours of band class per week led to measurable cognitive improvements related to verbal and learning skills, supporting the theory that teenagers’ brains are still in a state of development, and that interventions — even musical ones — may be helpful in increasing academic and career success. (The Hechinger Report)

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