Pianos 'hold key to higher IQ'

Piano lessons have long been regarded as a chore for children - let alone driving neighbours mad with their practising.

Now scientists say those hours spent hammering out Chopsticks may have paid off. They claim piano - or singing - lessons can increase a child's IQ and improve their mathematical ability. The optimum age for a child to benefit is six years old.

Dr Glen Schellenberg of Toronto University, who led the study, believes the key is the number of different factors involved in a piano lesson. He said: "There are so many different facets involved, such as memorising, expressing emotion, learning about musical intervals and chords. This may be the key to the IQ effect."

Dr Schellenberg offered 12 six-year-olds free weekly voice or piano lessons at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Another group attended drama classes, while a control group did nothing. The only boost to IQ came to children taught either piano or voice, who, he said, averaged a sevenpoint increase after a year.

London teacher Delyth Robson said she was not surprised by the findings, adding: Regular lessons can improve their coordination and reading."

Dr Schellenberg also revealed drama students came top in social skills.