The Musical Education That Will Boost Kids’ Brain Power

Encouraging our kids to try new things is part of a parent’s job. We’re always looking for opportunities to support their growth in ways that nurture creativity, build confidence and strengthen their developing minds. Music education is one of the most powerful paths to achieving all three. Learning music enhances memory, language skills and artistic expression while fostering perseverance and discipline—benefits that last for life.

You may already be familiar with The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), which is one of the world’s leading music education institutions, with over five million alumni. At its heart is the RCM Certificate Program, a comprehensive education plan that can guide students from elementary levels to advanced study. Each level is completed with an exam and rewarded with a certificate marking the student’s progress and achievement. The program welcomes learners of all ages and abilities and is used by over 30,000 teachers and 500,000 students each year.

Students can choose from a variety of instruments, including piano, violin, guitar and voice, with a focus on repertoire (learning to play pieces of music), technique, theory and musicianship. Exams include performance as well as ear tests (identifying and reproducing musical elements) and sight reading (playing a piece of music that’s new to them). The Certificate Program is designed to instill a deep appreciation for music. “The well-rounded curriculum leaves our students with skills that will allow them to continue learning music independently long after their lessons have been completed,” says Dr. Janet Lopinski, vice president of academics and publishing at RCM.

Music boosts kids’ brain development

Research shows that music education strengthens memory and language processing while supporting emotional development. It contributes to both brain formation and structure—it’s like exercise for your brain muscle, helping it grow healthy and strong. Studies have even shown that kids who study music do better academically in math and English than those who don’t. “The skills acquired through RCM study have a powerful and long-lasting impact on our students,” says Dr. Lopinski. “They develop focus, concentration, discipline, perseverance, empathy and the ability to express and communicate through music. This leaves them well positioned to contribute to society in a meaningful way, wherever their life journey may lead.”

RCM Smart Start for ages 0-5

If your baby or toddler loves to wiggle to The Wiggles, or you just want to expose them to music, RCM Smart Start offers the earliest entry point into musical education. “The RCM Smart Start program is created for ‘age zero’ up to four years,” Dr. Lopinski says. “It is a developmentally sequenced play-based program that supports musical and cognitive growth through learning activities that integrate music and movement.”

Songs and games that introduce rhythm, pitch and expression build a foundation, a place for kids to express themselves, hear different sounds and see what sticks. “These experiences open the door and pave the way for studying instruments, voice or speech arts, leading to a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts,” Dr. Lopinski adds. “The best age for children to begin is when they are ready. In my experience as a teacher and examiner, I’ve seen successful Certificate Program study begin at a range of ages, from five to 50 and beyond.”

Violinist Grace Lau, who started in the Smart Start program when she was a toddler, describes the Conservatory as a second home. “It feels special to grow with an institution that has been part of my life for so long,” she says.

Exams are positive milestones

A defining feature of the Certificate Program is its exams, which assess progress and give kids a sense of real accomplishment as they graduate from each level. The exam should be a moment of achievement, a time to recognize effort with acknowledgement and celebration. “We’ve been working to make the examination experience a positive, celebratory event,” says Dr. Lopinski. “It’s the whole journey toward preparing for the exam that should be emphasized. It’s not about just one day.”

That broader perspective resonates with Lau as well. “Preparing for exams teaches responsibility, discipline, time management and how to stay calm under pressure. These are skills that are very much applicable to other areas of life,” she says.

Taking the first step

The best way to encourage music study is to make music part of everyday life. “Listening to music together in the home, singing songs that are part of a family’s heritage and participating in the Smart Start Program from birth all create a natural and lasting connection with music,” says Dr. Lopinski.

The RCM Certificate Program can unlock a world of creativity, artistry and discovery for your child. To learn more about the program and its benefits or to find a teacher near you, visit rcmusic.com.