At the Sounds of Learning Conference, February 22–23, four researchers working on the NAMM Foundation’s “Sounds of Learning: The Impact of Music Education” initiative presented new findings showing connections between music education and child development and music’s role in children’s academic achievement and success in school.  

The results, which will soon be published, include analysis of the meaning of music and music education for children and youth within the education and developmental contexts of their lives, the impact and meaning of music education programs on school and community, the relationship between student participation in quality music education and standardized testing outcomes, and the brain-based and cognitive developmental impact of active participation in music.

Part of this study included using essay questions to get students’ feedback in their own words, as to how music impacts their lives—marking the first time these types of responses were quantified in music research of this kind.

The four researchers, who presented their findings at U.S. Senate and House of Representative stqff members briefings, were Gary McPherson, Zimmerman Professor of Music Education at University of Illinois; Patricia Shehan Campbell, Professor of Music Education at University of Washington; Donald Hodges, Director of the Institute for Music Research and Coordinator of Music Education at University of North Carolina Greensboro; and Christopher Johnson, Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy at University of Kansas.

The entire Sounds of Learning cohort, which includes 25 researchers, are also studying the policy process so they can get a better sense of how research can impact education policy. To conclude the conference, the group adjourned to sit in the chambers of the U.S. House of Representatives and learn more about how laws are passed.

In addition to NAMM’s support, the research is made possible by funding from the Fund for Improvement of Education from the U.S. Department of Education and the Grammy Foundation.

For more information about NAMM Foundation grants and research, log on to music-research.org.