When children actively listen to music, paying attention to rhythm, dynamics and style, it improves their cognitive development, according to Dr. Daisy Lu, a music specialist. An example of this is the Mozart Effect, a phenomenon wherein those listening to the music of Mozart have increased spatial reasoning skills. With their improved cognitive development, children are better able to learn in other, non-musical aspects of their lives, such as in math or physics classes.
Children who listen to music also improve their motor skills. Research shows that when listening to music, there is a notable response from the section of the brain containing the motor system. Just as music therapy is used to help stroke victims recover their motor skills, it can help children who are still developing their motor skills.
Listening to music is good for a child's heart. A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that people who listen to joyful music experience a positive blood vessel reaction and improved cardiovascular functions. Dr. Miller, an expert in preventative cardiology, notes that joyful music is simply music that the subjects enjoy listening to.
Listening to music while exercising can help improve a child's stamina. A study which gauged the effect of preferred, non-preferred and no music on cyclists found that listening to preferred music helped the cyclists increase their exercise performance, according to the United States National Library of Medicine. It also found that listening to non-preferred music diminished exercise performance in cyclists. So the music children listen to while exercising should be music they enjoy to reap this benefit.