Music Lessons Can Help People with ADHD, Studies Show

People with ADHD often look for ways to manage their focus, attention, and emotional ups and downs.

Medication helps some. Therapy works for others. But for many, a creative outlet makes all the difference. One of those outlets might just be music, according to Healthline.

Playing an instrument, learning to sing, or joining a band can offer more than just fun. It can help train the brain in ways that are useful in everyday life.

Some studies show that learning music can improve focus and attention. Music has structure—beats, rhythms, patterns—that the brain learns to follow.

This structure can help build connections in the brain. That may help someone stay focused longer or avoid acting on impulse.

It also seems to help with memory. Music training puts pressure on the brain to remember what’s coming next.

That improves something called working memory. Working memory is what you use to hold information in your mind while you do something else, like remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.

Many people with ADHD also struggle to process sound clearly. They can hear fine, but their brain sometimes misinterprets what it hears.

Musical training can sharpen this skill. This may also support better language development, especially in kids.

Learning music often means working with others. Being part of a group like a band or choir can improve social skills. It’s a place to listen, cooperate, and communicate.

Music can also help with emotions. Playing an instrument can calm the mind. It offers a way to express feelings that might be hard to put into words.

Confidence often grows, too. Learning a song, getting through a practice, or playing in front of others can be a big deal.

Success in music can make people feel more capable.

That said, music isn’t a fix for everyone. Some people find practice frustrating or lose focus during lessons.

But if you or your child loves music, it’s worth giving it a try. It might be more than a hobby—it might be a helpful tool.