The Effects of a Multimodal Music Program on Executive Functions in Preschool Children

• In Event: 81.029 - Young Children's Cognitive and Social-Emotional Development

Abstract

We examined the effects of a multimodal preschool music program with creative improvisation, gross motor training, and vocal development, on children’s executive functions. One hundred-fifteen preschool children were randomly assigned to music training, Lego training (active control), or a no treatment group. Eighty-four children completed the study. Training groups received ten weeks of instruction (45 minutes, twice weekly). The multimodal music program consisted of lessons that integrated vocal exercises, bimanual patterning, and melodic/rhythmic improvisation. Participants completed the Executive Functions (EF) Touch and Digit Coding tasks, pre- and post-training. Results of Repeated Measures ANOVA showed increased accuracy for the music group on both tasks compared to controls. Music training in early childhood may contribute to enhanced executive functions.

Authors

• Jennifer A Bugos, University of South Florida

• Darlene DeMarie, University of South Florida