Washington, Feb 11 (ANI): Music lessons taken in or out of school can significantly improve reading and mathematic achievement in early childhood and adolescence, according to a new study.

Darby E. Southgate, MA, and Vincent Roscigno, Ph.D., of The Ohio State University have found music participation and parents attending concerts with their children have positive impact on adolescents' academic performance.

During the study, the researchers analysed the patterns of music involvement and possible effects on math and reading performance for both elementary and high school students.

They found that music is positively associated with academic achievement, especially during the high school years.

The study also found that families with high socioeconomic status participate more in music than do families with lower socioeconomic status.

In addition to social class as a predictor of music participation, ethnicity is also a factor.

"This topic becomes an issue of equity at both the family and school levels," wrote the authors.

"This has major policy implications for federal, state, and local agencies, as well as knowledge that can help families allocate resources that are most beneficial to children," they added.

The study appears in the journal Social Science. (ANI)