How Learning Guitar Can Strengthen Memory and Support School Performance

Many parents are looking for an activity that their child will enjoy, but that will also provide real support in everyday school learning: studying, concentration, memorization, and organization. Learning guitar is not “just another hobby.” When approached with consistency and proper structure, it can function as training for memory and learning-related skills—a fact supported by contemporary scientific research on music education and the developing brain.

1) What type of “memory” is affected by learning an instrument?

In school life, one of the most critical cognitive abilities is working memory: the capacity to hold information “online” for a few seconds or minutes and actively manipulate it (for example, listening to a three-step instruction and executing it, performing mental arithmetic, or organizing an answer in writing).

A systematic review and meta-analysis involving preschool children (ages 3–6) found that music training has a positive effect on executive functions, including working memory, and that the type, duration, and frequency of training significantly influence outcomes.

In addition, intervention studies with school-aged children have examined whether music training can support the development of working memory compared to other activities, with evidence suggesting beneficial effects under specific conditions.

2) Why guitar “trains” memory in a practical way

As an instrument, the guitar requires the child to perform several tasks simultaneously—each of which functions as a memory exercise in itself:

• Recall of patterns (fingerings, chords, scales)

• Sequential processing (rhythmic patterns, chord changes, musical phrases)

• Real-time self-correction (hearing a mistake and immediately adjusting)

• Bimanual coordination combined with timing (rhythm) and auditory goals

This resembles a form of cognitive training rather than passive entertainment. Scientific literature on music education reports associations between instrumental training and cognitive skills such as memory (especially verbal memory) and executive functions.

3) Memory and school achievement: where transfer becomes visible

The connection is straightforward: working memory and executive functions are closely linked to school performance, including reading comprehension, mathematics, and study organization. For this reason, many studies examine whether music education is associated with indicators of academic development.

• Longitudinal studies have explored the relationship between music training and academic skills over time, with outcomes varying by domain (for example, some samples show stronger associations with language-related skills or second-language learning).

• At the same time, meta-analyses caution against exaggerated claims, showing that music should not be presented as a “magic solution” for IQ or grades. The appropriate interpretation is that small to moderate benefits emerge in specific cognitive domains—especially when the program is structured and systematic.

In simple terms: music (and guitar as a form of instrumental training) does not promise “top grades.” What it offers is something more practical and valuable: stronger learning tools—memory, concentration, and self-regulation—that help children study more effectively.

4) The critical point many people miss: “just taking guitar lessons” is not enough

This is where a serious educational approach differs from the idea of “doing something just to unwind.”

Research shows that factors such as:

• program duration,

• weekly frequency,

• and lesson length

all influence outcomes—particularly in executive functions and working memory.

Therefore, what matters is not only the instrument itself, but also:

• a stable practice routine,

• clear learning goals,

• exercises that build skills progressively,

• and ongoing feedback (so the child understands what is improving).

For this reason, the most effective educational programs—and their accompanying books and materials—are not random collections of songs. They are designed so that each exercise serves a learning purpose, supporting skills such as memory, attention, sequencing, and self-control.

What parents should take away (in one paragraph)

If your goal is to help your child develop stronger memory, better concentration, and greater “academic endurance,” learning guitar can be an excellent option—not as a casual pastime, but as structured education with consistency. Science does not claim that music works miracles on its own; it shows that, when properly structured and sustained over time, music training can strengthen skills that directly support studying and school performance.

Scientific Sources

• Miendlarzewska, E. A., & Trost, W. J. (2014). How musical training affects cognitive development. Frontiers in Neuroscience. (Review)

• Lu, Y. et al. (2025). Effects of music training on executive functions in preschool children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

• Nie, P. et al. (2022). Effects of Music Training on the Auditory Working Memory Development in School Children. Frontiers in Psychology.

• Román-Caballero, R. et al. (2022). Please don't stop the music: A meta-analysis of the cognitive and academic benefits of instrumental musical training.

• Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2020). Cognitive and academic benefits of music training with children: A meta-analysis.

• Yang, H. et al. (2014). A Longitudinal Study on Children's Music Training and Academic Development. Scientific Reports.