Does Exposure to Music Have Beneficial Side Effects?

Abstract

This chapter evaluates claims that exposure to music produces benefits in nonmusical domains. It specifically explains the transfer and priming, the Mozart effect, and the long-term side-effects of music lessons. A review of the relevant findings indicates that the short-term effect is small and unreliable. Moreover, when it is evident, it can be explained by between-condition differences in listeners' arousal level or mood. By contrast, the effect of music lessons on nonmusical aspects of cognitive development is still an open question. Several studies have reported positive associations between formal music lessons and abilities in nonmusical (e.g. linguistic, mathematical, and spatial) domains. Nonetheless, compelling evidence for a causal link remains elusive.