Brain connections strengthened by early music lessons

Brain connections strengthened by early music lessons.

A new Canadian study suggests music lessons in youth aid brain development; the earlier the training, the stronger the brain connection.

Researchers say brain scans show that those who began early have stronger connections between motor regions — the parts of the brain that help you plan and carry out movements.

The study provides strong evidence that the years between ages six and eight are a “sensitive period” when musical training interacts with normal brain development to produce long-lasting changes in motor abilities and brain structure.