Musical Training Enhances Information Processing Speed

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of music instruction on information processing speed. We examined music s role on information processing speed in musicians (N = 14) and non- musicians (N -16) using standardized neuropsychological measures, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Trail Making Test (TMT). Results of a One WayANOVA indi- cate significantly (p < .05) enhanced performance by musicians compared to non-musicians on the PASAT and TMT (Part A and B). These results suggest that musical training has the capacity to enhance processing speed of auditory and visual content. Implications for music educators stem- ming from these findings include the need for inclusion of rhythmic sight-reading exercises and improvisational activities to reinforce processing speed