Music training with Démos program positively influences cognitive functions in children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

TitleMusic training with Démos program positively influences cognitive functions in children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsBarbaroux M, Dittinger E, Besson M
JournalPLoS One
Volume14
Issue5
Paginatione0216874
Date Published2019
ISSN1932-6203
KeywordsAptitude, Auditory Perception, Child, Cognition, Female, Humans, Intelligence, Learning, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Music, Reading, Socioeconomic Factors
Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the impact of a classic music training program (Démos) on several aspects of the cognitive development of children from low socio-economic backgrounds. We were specifically interested in general intelligence, phonological awareness and reading abilities, and in other cognitive abilities that may be improved by music training such as auditory and visual attention, working and short-term memory and visuomotor precision. We used a longitudinal approach with children presented with standardized tests before the start and after 18 months of music training. To test for pre-to-post training improvements while discarding maturation and developmental effects, raw scores for each child and for each test were normalized relative to their age group. Results showed that Démos music training improved musicality scores, total IQ and Symbol Search scores as well as concentration abilities and reading precision. In line with previous results, these findings demonstrate the positive impact of an ecologically-valid music training program on the cognitive development of children from low socio-economic backgrounds and strongly encourage the broader implementation of such programs in disadvantaged school-settings.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0216874
Alternate JournalPLoS One
PubMed ID31095606
PubMed Central IDPMC6522123