As piano teachers, many of us know that playing piano encourages cognitive development, but a new study shows that it also aids in linguistic development (pitch processing and speech perception). Consider sharing this with parents and adding this to the long list of why learning the piano is so beneficial for development!

The Study

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of California, San Diego, conducted this study with a group of Mandarin-speaking children. They compared children who received piano training with a control group that did not participate in any formal music education. Over six months, the researchers assessed the children’s pitch processing abilities and speech perception skills using behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings.

The results were very interesting. Children who received piano training showed significant improvements in their ability to process pitch. Their neural responses to pitch changes were more accurate and quicker compared to their peers in the control group. Additionally, these children demonstrated better speech perception abilities, particularly in distinguishing tonal differences in Mandarin, which is crucial for understanding and communicating in tonal languages.

The Neuroscience Behind the Benefits

So what’s happening in the brain? Piano training involves precise auditory exercises, where children learn to discern fine differences in pitch. This skill is crucial for both music and language, especially in tonal languages like Mandarin. Learning to play the piano also requires sustained attention and memorization of musical pieces, enhancing cognitive skills that are transferable to language processing and other tasks. Moreover, playing the piano integrates auditory, visual, and motor inputs, enhancing overall brain function and cognitive flexibility.

Personally, I’m interested in learn more about how piano playing can influence language development in children who speak non-tonal languages. Also, I’m curious as to whether there are specific aspects of piano training that are particularly beneficial for enhancing language skills, regardless of the language spoken?

Thanks for reading!

Source: Nan, Y., Liu, L., Geiser, E., & Desimone, R., et al. (2018). Piano training enhances the neural processing of pitch and improves speech perception in Mandarin-speaking children. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(28), E6630-E6639. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1808412115