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

James, Clara; Zuber, Sascha; Dupuis Lozeron, Elise; Abdili, Laura; Gervaise, Diane; Kliegel, Matthias

doi:10.1101/829077

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Title		Formal string instrument training in a class setting enhances cognitive and sensorimotor development of primary school children
Authors		James, Clara Zuber, Sascha Dupuis Lozeron, Elise Abdili, Laura Gervaise, Diane Kliegel, Matthias
Published in		Frontiers in neuroscience. 2020, vol. 14, no. 567, p. 1-16
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
Identifiers		DOI: 10.1101/829077
Note		bioRxiv 829077
Full text		Article (Published version) (1.7 MB) - Free access
Structures		Faculté de psychologie et des sciences de l'éducation / Section de psychologie Centres et instituts / Centre interfacultaire de gérontologie et d'études des vulnérabilités Centres et instituts / Centre interfacultaire en sciences affectives
Research groups		Affective sciences Centre LIVES Cognitive Aging Lab (CAL) Neuroscience de l'émotion et dynamiques affectives (NEAD)
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 https://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:128172