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Scientific article
Open access
English

Formal string instrument training in a class setting enhances cognitive and sensorimotor development of primary school children

Published inFrontiers in Neurosciences, vol. 14, no. 567, p. 1-16
Publication date2020
Abstract

This cluster randomized controlled trial provides evidence that focused musicalinstrumental practice, in comparison to traditional sensitization to music, provokesmultiple transfer effects in the cognitive and sensorimotor domain. Over the last 2 yearsof primary school (10–12 years old), 69 children received group music instruction byprofessional musicians twice a week as part of the regular school curriculum. Theintervention group learned to play string instruments, whereas the control group (i.e.,peers in parallel classes) was sensitized to music via listening, theory and some practice.Broad benefits manifested in the intervention group as compared to the control groupfor working memory, attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, matrix reasoning,sensorimotor hand function, and bimanual coordination Apparently, learning to play acomplex instrument in a dynamic group setting impacts development much strongerthan classical sensitization to music. Our results therefore highlight the added value ofintensive musical instrumental training in a group setting within the school curriculum.These results encourage general implementation of such training in public primaryschools, thus better preparing children for secondary school and for daily living activities.

Keywords
  • Musical instrumental practice
  • Group setting
  • Cluster randomized controlled trial
  • Multiple transfer effects
  • Cognitive
  • Sensorimotor
  • Matrix reasoning
  • String instruments
NotebioRxiv 829077
Citation (ISO format)
JAMES, Clara et al. Formal string instrument training in a class setting enhances cognitive and sensorimotor development of primary school children. In: Frontiers in Neurosciences, 2020, vol. 14, n° 567, p. 1–16. doi: 10.1101/829077
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
ISSN of the journal1662-453X
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