An Instrument Strengthens the Brain

Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Hind Louali founded Ecole Jean-Jacques Rousseau, known as the French School of Austin. In addition to overseeing all general operations of the bilingual school, Dr. Hind Louali guides curriculum development, which includes performing arts, French language, and a mandatory string program that teaches students violin or cello.

Particularly for children, learning a musical instrument can enhance neuronal communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. As the child practices, they must process the mathematical, logical information of the notes, which relies heavily on the left hemisphere of the brain. Simultaneously, they engage the right hemisphere of the brain to express musical creatively.

Especially in developing brains, this collaboration between the two hemispheres increases activity in the corpus callosum that divides the two hemispheres. Because messages travel faster and across more diverse paths through the brain, children often see improvements in learning and memory. Additionally, learning an instrument enhances their ability to solve social and academic problems.

US Education Benefits of Speaking

The founder of Ecole Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Austin, Texas, Dr. Hind Louali aims to create a culture of positive, engaged learning. Dr. Hind Louali helped develop a curriculum that includes music, performing arts, and French immersion for students in preschool through eight grade.

According to the US Department of Education, learning more than one language during early childhood has several benefits. Children who learn a second language at school or home before age 6 increase their cognitive function, improving their ability to solve word problems, understand concepts, use logic, and make decisions.

While parents may be concerned that a second language will confuse their children, the process actually sharpens thinking skills by helping children process more complex tasks and processes. Moreover, children who learn a second language tend to take more flexible approaches to learning in other areas. Because they can distinguish important information and focus on key elements, their performance improves across multiple subject areas.

Currently, more than 20 percent of the United States population speaks more than one language. Language learning in early childhood education also enriches a child’s social-emotional development by introducing multicultural concepts and a broader sense of community.