MIT Study: Music Education Boosts Intelligence More Than Coding
For years, coding has been celebrated as the ultimate skill for the future. Parents and schools have rushed to introduce kids to programming, believing it sharpens logic and sets up careers. But recent research from MIT suggests there might be an even more powerful tool for children’s brain development — music education.
Music vs. Coding: Engaging the Whole Brain
MIT researchers found that teaching music activates both sides of the brain, unlike coding, which mainly engages logical and analytical regions. Music strengthens memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills, while also stimulating creativity and emotional intelligence.
In simpler terms, coding makes kids smarter in logic, but music makes kids smarter overall. This doesn’t mean coding has no value, but starting with music creates a stronger foundation that can make learning coding easier later.
For a detailed breakdown of how music influences cognitive development, the American Psychological Association (APA) offers valuable insights.
Why Music Shapes Sharper Intelligence
Playing an instrument or singing in a group isn’t just about notes and rhythm. Music requires discipline, teamwork, and emotional connection, all of which boost real-world intelligence. Studies show that children who learn music often perform better in subjects like math, reading, and even languages.
By comparison, coding is often a solo activity, heavily focused on problem-solving and logic. While important, it lacks the social, emotional, and creative engagement that music provides.
For readers interested in how education impacts intelligence, check out our feature on how caffeine can disrupt your sleep here on Prime Curators.
What This Means for Parents and Educators
The message isn’t to ignore coding — it remains a valuable 21st-century skill. But MIT’s findings suggest a better sequence: music first, coding later. By giving children a music foundation, we don’t just prepare them for academic success, but also for more balanced emotional and creative growth.
Parents who want their kids to thrive in an increasingly complex world might want to consider piano lessons before Python classes. After all, the goal is not just sharper logic but sharper intelligence overall.
