Our journey

This study examined the home musical environment of children under the age of 3, focusing on parent–child joint musical activities (e.g., singing, listening to music together). Findings showed that frequent, active musical interactions positively influenced children’s social skills, willingness to cooperate, and prosocial behavior. These effects remained measurable two years later, suggesting that music provides not only short-term enjoyment but also long-term developmental benefits for socio-emotional competencies.

Politimou, N., Dalla Bella, S., Farrugia, N., Franco, F., & Stewart, L. (2021). Born to speak and sing: Musical predictors of language development in pre-schoolers. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 789899. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.789899 

This meta-analysis synthesized data from 38 studies investigating the effects of music interventions on children aged 0–12. Results indicated that musical training significantly improved IQ, language skills (vocabulary, phonological awareness), and motor abilities. The greatest benefits were observed in preschool-aged children, especially when sessions were held at least twice a week in an interactive format. The authors emphasize that incorporating music into early education can yield complex, long-term cognitive and developmental advantages.

Yu, X., & Kang, L. (2025). Effects of music intervention on children's IQ, language, and motor development: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1456123. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1456123 

This cross-cultural study of 760 adolescents and young adults from Kenya, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Germany explored how music listening within family and peer group contexts impacts social cohesion and emotional well-being. The findings show that family musical rituals consistently bolster family cohesion across cultures, particularly in more traditional or collectivistic societies. Meanwhile, peer group music listening directly contributes to individual emotional well-being across all cultural settings. Developmental differences were more pronounced for peer contexts than family contexts. The results underscore the value of everyday shared music experiences for socio-emotional development.

Boer, D., & Abubakar, A. (2014). Music listening in families and peer groups: Benefits for young people’s social cohesion and emotional well-being across four cultures. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, Article 392. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00392