Abstract

AZEVEDO, Susana; RATO, Joana  and  CASTRO CALDAS, Alexandre. Contribution of musical training in the academic and cognitive performance of children and adolescents: A systematic review. Rev. Port. de Educação [online]. 2020, vol.33, n.2, pp.116-135.  Epub Dec 31, 2020. ISSN 0871-9187.  https://doi.org/10.21814/rpe.18506.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the recent literature on the influence that the study of music can exert on academic performance in general and on mathematics; in cognitive functions; and in brain plasticity. The review includes studies published between 2007 and 2018 in the PubMed and Complementary Index databases, Academic Search Complete, Education Source, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Science Direct and PsycArticles, using the descriptor musical training, combined with descriptors linked to academic performance in general and in mathematics – academic achievement, mathematics and academic development –, and cognitive development – brain development and cognitive development. The studies were selected according to the following criteria: studies (i) published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, (ii) with children and adolescents up to 18 years of age, (iii) which included musical training in its theoretical and/or instrumental components. The relationship between musical education and academic performance in general and mathematics was inconsistent, and there was no consensus in the literature about the benefits of the former over the latter. Cognitive benefits and evidence for structural brain plasticity induced by early childhood music training were found, taking into account differences in gray matter volume.

Keywords : Musical training; Academic performance; Mathematical skills; Cognitive development.

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