For those of us pondering whether our children are ready for music lessons, think no more! This study shows that children who start learning music early (particularly before the age of 7), have greater effects on brain behavior and structure than training in music later in life. Early musical training increases the white matter in the part of the brain called the Corpus Callosum. And that does what, you ask? Well, the increase in white matter boosts the connections between the motor and sensory regions of the brain creating the stage upon which ongoing experience can build. Other benefits include stronger auditory skills, better working memory, exceeding attention skills, better cognitive skills,finer social skills, increased self-confidence. Early training in music also helps children learn patience, discipline and music fosters creativity.
The earlier the music training starts, the greater the probability of all these things happening! However, in my case, I will stick to the old saying: “Better late than never!”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/early-music-lessons-have-longtime-benefits/