The social norm over the last few decades has been for parents to expose their children to as many brain stimulating activities as possible within the first few years of their lives, in order to “get them ahead” — this from the research that has been made available to them from scientific, credible sources. The amount of money spent on piano lessons or Kumon has made extracurricular activities a formidable business, but does the science actually back up the claim?
Particularly with regard to music and skills enhancement, it is important to note that proponents of this research are musicians themselves and establishing a relationship is appealing if it is able to justify positive cognitive and neural side effects from music training. However, correlation is not causation. The discipline and diligence of learning an instrument can equally be argued as a good foundation for future success, and not necessarily the music itself.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.