The surprising link between singing and academic achievement
When parents consider ways to help their daughters succeed at school, singing lessons may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, research shows that music education, and choir in particular, can have a powerful impact on a child’s academic journey.
As young people look toward their future pathways, the skills needed to thrive as adults are expanding beyond the classroom. Read on to discover the many future-ready skills that girls develop at the International Girls Choir (IGC) that contribute to success at school and set them up for a bright future.
Experience the International Girls Choir in action by joining us for a free class at our November Open House!
1. Singing strengthens memory and focus
Learning lyrics, melodies and harmonies engages multiple areas of the brain at once. This strengthens memory, attention and concentration, skills that translate directly to the classroom. At the IGC, our lesson plans are intentionally dynamic to keep choristers focussed from start to finish. As we are a choir that doesn’t just sing but also dances, we use movement to assist in the memorisation process. For example, girls might lift their hands when hitting a high note or place a hand over their heart when singing the word “heart.” The link between music and movement enhances memory retention and keeps learning active.
When our choristers rehearse repertoire they’re not just memorising lyrics and notes, they’re exercising the same muscles that help them recall information in maths tests, spelling quizzes and reading comprehension.
“Performing arts give children so much more than stage experience! They build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking while making learning fun. I love seeing programs like this helping kids thrive both on stage and in life!” – IGC Parent
2. Choir builds discipline and perseverance
Regular rehearsals teach commitment and consistency which are two key ingredients for academic success. In choir, progress doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of showing up, practising and working together. Across a semester, IGC choristers learn and refine repertoire for our end-of-semester concerts. From the first rehearsal to performance day, they experience the discipline of steady improvement; learning to tackle tricky harmonies, polish choreography and rehearse until the final product is ready to perform. The sense of pride they feel when performing on stage reinforces that dedication and consistent effort bring results, a lesson that naturally flows into study habits and schoolwork.
3. Performing boosts confidence and communication
Two of the most valuable life skills for success are confidence and clear communication. Standing on stage and sharing music with an audience helps girls develop both of these skills from an early age. We provide our choristers with regular opportunities to perform, from small in class performances in front of peers to large concerts in professional theatres. Whether our choristers are delivering a spoken introduction, holding a harmony line or performing a short solo, they’re learning how to project their voices, express themselves clearly and communicate with confidence.
Many parents tell us that after just one semester, their daughters are more willing to raise their hands in class, volunteer for leadership roles and speak confidently in front of peers, proof that performance builds courage far beyond the stage.
“Since joining the choir, my daughter, Emily, has become more confident and proactive in speaking in front of others. I believe this experience has had a positive impact on her overall school life. In fact, she was recently selected for a significant role within the school—an opportunity offered to only a small group of Primary 2 students. This achievement, I feel, is in part due to the valuable experiences she has gained through the chorus program.”
– Mitsue, IGC Parent
4. Singing together nurtures emotional wellbeing
Music has been shown to reduce stress and lift mood, and choir provides a built-in support network of friendship and belonging. At the International Girls Choir, we create a supportive atmosphere where every chorister feels valued. We aim to celebrate small wins such as mastering a tricky harmony or helping a friend learn a dance move, encouraging girls to feel safe putting themselves out there and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Parents frequently comment that choir is their daughter’s “happy place”, a space where girls can be themselves and leave feeling energised and positive. When children feel emotionally supported and connected, their ability to focus and thrive academically increases.
“I wanted to let your team know we had parent teacher conferences this week and Isabelle’s classroom teacher who has known her for 3 years remarked on a significant uptick in leadership, posture, presentation skills and hard work. We are SURE this is aligned with joining your program and we are elated about it all, mostly how much she is enjoying it and it is building confidence.” – Batsheva, IGC Parent
5. Music encourages creativity and critical thinking
Interpreting a song involves understanding rhythm, meaning and emotion, a perfect blend of logic and imagination. These are the same higher-order thinking skills students use to solve problems, write essays and think innovatively. When choristers discuss the message behind a song, they’re learning to analyse lyrics, discuss their ideas with others and express emotion creatively. In shaping each performance, they make decisions about tone, expression and phrasing, developing critical thinking and creative problem-solving in the process.
At its heart, choir is about so much more than music. It’s about helping girls discover their voices, build friendships and develop the confidence to shine both on stage and in life. Through singing, teamwork and performance, choristers learn the same persistence, focus and communication skills that underpin academic achievement. Girls who sing together learn to listen, collaborate and lead; qualities that support success in school, university and the workplace.
“You passed her the mic of life and I have more confidence than ever that it will set her on the right path. Young women face so many more challenges than ever before – becoming comfortable in one’s own body and with one’s true voice is the remedy to it all.” – Bea, IGC Parent
Discover the world of opportunities that await at our November Open House!
If you’d like your daughter to experience the benefits of singing for herself, we’d love to invite her to our November Open House! She can join a free trial class, meet our friendly tutors, and discover just how joyful learning through music can be.
Register now for Open House and let her voice soar!
