Influence of Music Training on Language Development. A Longitudinal Study

The aim of this longitudinal study is to determine the effect of formal musical training on language development in 3 to 4 year- old children from a Head Start Program in Puerto Rico. For two years the Experimental Group received formal music classes for 20 minutes, three times a week at least. Control Group children did not receive formal music classes. The Child Observation Record (COR) was used to assess child development and was administered six times during the study. The findings demonstrate that music can make a significant difference in children's language development.