Semantic Clustering and Processing Speed in Suzuki Violinists

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of Suzuki violin instruction on verbal memory performance, memory strategy usage, and visual processing speed performance in child musicians and non-musicians, ages 8–12. Thirty-five participants, 18 musicians with four or more years of musical training and 17 non-musicians, completed measures of music aptitude, motor speed, music reading, intelligence, verbal memory, and processing speed. Results indicate significantly (p < .05) enhanced performance by musicians compared to non-musicians in verbal memory performance, including distraction list items, short-delay free recall trials, semantic clustering scores, and overall processing speed. These data support the hypothesis that Suzuki violin instruction leads to the development of semantic and syntactical knowledge to categorize words assisting in memory retrieval. Results underscore the role of auditory skills in early music instruction, the impact of musical training in cognitive development, and importance of providing musical training at an early age.