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Music training improves verbal memory

Author

Listed:
  • Agnes S. Chan

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Yim-Chi Ho

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Mei-Chun Cheung

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging has shown that the left planum temporale region of the brain is larger in musicians than in non-musicians1. If this results from a change in cortical organization2,3, the left temporal area in musicians might have a better developed cognitive function than the right temporal lobe. Because verbal memory is mediated mainly by the left temporal lobe, and visual memory by the right4,5, adults with music training should have better verbal, but not visual, memory than adults without such training. Here we show that adults who received music training before the age of 12 have a better memory for spoken words than those who did not. Music training in childhood may therefore have long-term positive effects on verbal memory.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnes S. Chan & Yim-Chi Ho & Mei-Chun Cheung, 1998. "Music training improves verbal memory," Nature, Nature, vol. 396(6707), pages 128-128, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:396:y:1998:i:6707:d:10.1038_24075
    DOI: 10.1038/24075
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    Cited by:

    1. Marie Forgeard & Ellen Winner & Andrea Norton & Gottfried Schlaug, 2008. "Practicing a Musical Instrument in Childhood is Associated with Enhanced Verbal Ability and Nonverbal Reasoning," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(10), pages 1-8, October.
    2. Francesca Talamini & Gianmarco Altoè & Barbara Carretti & Massimo Grassi, 2017. "Musicians have better memory than nonmusicians: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, October.

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