Based on findings by Susan Hallam, University of London’s Institute of Education
New research from the University of London’s Institute of Education emphasizes how early exposure to classical music can deliver important educational benefits for young learners.
The study, conducted by education and music psychology professor Susan Hallam, found that introducing children as young as seven to the works of great composers like Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, and Mendelssohn can improve concentration, self-discipline, and critical listening skills. By actively engaging with complex musical structures through careful listening, students develop habits that carry over into other academic subjects.
In evaluating a program developed by Apollo Music Projects, Hallam observed that students gained far more than musical knowledge. Teachers reported that students’ listening abilities improved significantly, alongside growth in concentration, aspirations, and social skills. Developing the ability to listen carefully—not just to music but to spoken instructions and discussions—was noted as one of the key outcomes.
Despite these benefits, national reports have indicated that music education is still underrepresented in many schools. A 2012 Ofsted report, for example, highlighted that too many music classes in England focused more on talking and writing about music rather than making and listening to music itself.
The new findings serve as a reminder of the powerful role that music education, particularly classical music exposure, can play in developing well-rounded, attentive, and disciplined students—not just musicians, but lifelong learners.
🎶 Shared by Grosse Pointe Music Academy – offering private and group music instruction to students of all ages in Grosse Pointe, Canton, and surrounding areas.
📍 Visit us online at www.grossepointemusicacademy.com
By Graeme Paton, The Daily Telegraph, National Post Wire Services
Leave a Reply