Researchers from Antalya Belek University have presented evidence that music instruction contributes to higher math achievement among children and young people. The findings were published in Educational Studies and reflect a comprehensive synthesis of multiple studies across varied educational levels.
To conduct the analysis, the team aggregated results from 55 high-quality investigations, encompassing nearly 78,000 participants worldwide, ranging from kindergarteners to college students. This broad sample helps illuminate whether music education can support mathematical learning across different ages and settings.
In the study design, students completed math assessments before and after participating in music-related activities. Their performance was then compared with peers who did not participate in music instruction, providing a clear before-and-after frame and a control baseline.
Overall, about 69% of learners who pursued instrumental study showed greater improvements in math scores, while roughly 58% of those who took regular music-based programs—encompassing listening, singing, rhythm, and general music appreciation—also outperformed peers without music exposure.
Integrated approaches, where music was woven directly into math lessons, yielded the strongest gains, with roughly 73% of students experiencing improved grades. Younger students beginning with foundational arithmetic appeared to benefit most, suggesting early exposure may help solidify mathematical concepts through musical structure.
Authors highlighted the parallels between mathematics and music, noting shared elements such as symbol recognition, patterning, and abstract reasoning. They argued that the rhythmic and auditory features of music can reinforce mathematical thinking, especially concepts like fractions, ratios, and symmetry, which align with core musical principles.
These results support the idea that music education can be a meaningful component of a well-rounded curriculum, potentially enhancing math learning outcomes for a broad range of students. The research also emphasizes the importance of purposeful, evidence-based integration of music into classroom practices—rather than treating music as a separate, optional activity—so teachers can leverage its cognitive benefits to reinforce mathematical understanding.