Exposure to music makes children smarter. Children who take piano lessons are able to learn complex math problems earlier than those who’ve had no musical training. Adults who studied music before the age of 12 had better memories for words than those who did not. – researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong ~ Rhythmic movement plays a critical role in the reading process – the ability to keep a steady beat – simply clapping hands rhythmically – figures prominently in cognitive development. – Phyllis Weikart the University of Michigan Music training, specifically piano instruction, is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children’s abstract reasoning skills necessary for learning math and science. – psychologist Dr. Frances Rauscher of the University of Wisconsin