According to an article released by Oxford University Press in 2006, young children who study music show increased cognitive function. This provides for increased memory and attention span, not only with music but in other areas, such as literacy and mathematics, the article says.
Music has the ability to allow preschool age children who are not always capable of correctly expressing their needs through speech to communicate with others through movement, using song and dance.
Music is a well-established form of therapy for young children. It is used to address a variety of mental health issues, such as psychological and behavioral problems.
Norman Weinberger and the Regents of the University of California say that music can help children develop relationships among their peers by cultivating and fostering creativity and self-esteem.
While music may improve children's development and even have an effect on their IQ, it cannot turn a child into a genius.