Understanding how music affects brain development in children

Deciphering the neural mechanisms of music processing in the developing brain: A multi-feature and multi-cultural comparison

NIH-funded research St. John's University · NIH-10887472

This study is looking at how learning music and speaking different languages can help kids aged 5 to 10 develop their brains, and it aims to find out how these skills work together to improve how they hear and understand sounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. John's University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Queens, United States)
Project IDNIH-10887472 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how music training and language experience influence brain development in children aged 5 to 10 years. By using advanced neurophysiological techniques and behavioral assessments, the study aims to uncover the interactions between music and language processing in the developing brain. Participants will engage in activities that measure their responses to various music features, helping researchers understand the maturation of auditory processing. The findings could provide insights into treating neurological conditions related to auditory and language functions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 5 to 10 years who have varying levels of music exposure and language experience.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 5 to 10 years or those without any interest or exposure to music may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for children with language and auditory processing disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of music training on brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Queens, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.