Scientific Studies & Research
Since 2012, the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC has partnered with YOLA at the LA Phil to conduct a landmark multi-year longitudinal study examining the effects of intensive music training on children’s brain, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. The study, led by Dr. Assal Habibi, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neurology at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, followed three groups of children between the ages of 6 and 14 from communities with limited access to enrichment opportunities.
Methodology
The research employed a multi-method approach, including structural and functional brain imaging (MRI), electrophysiology (EEG), cognitive assessments, behavioral tasks, and parent/child questionnaires.
Key findings
- Children in the YOLA program showed measurable structural and functional brain changes in areas related to auditory processing, motor coordination, and executive function.
- These children also demonstrated better impulse control, reduced hyperactivity and aggression, and improved emotional regulation over time compared to peers in the control groups.
- Emotional well-being and behavioral development were consistently stronger in the YOLA group.
The BCI–YOLA partnership has generated a wide-ranging impact, informing both scientific understanding and public policy conversations around the role of the arts in education and well-being. The research team at the Brain and Creativity Institute continues to analyze the rich longitudinal dataset and has disseminated findings through 20+ peer-reviewed publications, public talks, and cross-sector collaborations. This work not only reinforces the value of music education but also exemplifies how community-based partnerships can advance research with real-world significance.
Music Education and Brain Development in Children
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the USC Brain and Creativity Institute and Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) partnered on a longitudinal research collaboration to investigate the emotional, social and cognitive effects of musical training on childhood brain development. The five-year research project will offer USC researchers an important opportunity to provide new insights and add rigorous data to an emerging discussion about the role of early music engagement in learning and brain function.
3C Data Alliance
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is part of a national movement advancing Creative Youth Development (CYD)—an approach that centers artistic excellence, youth voice, and equitable access to opportunity. Through YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), we contribute to a growing network of organizations working collaboratively to strengthen the field and expand impact for young people nationwide.
One of the most significant developments in this space is the 3C Data Alliance, a national initiative designed to transform how CYD organizations collect, analyze, and use data. Led by DreamYard, a Bronx-based leader in arts and social justice education, the 3C Data Alliance brings together organizations across the country to build a shared, equitable data infrastructure that supports both program excellence and long-term impact.
The Alliance’s work focuses on:
- Strengthening data systems to better understand and communicate youth outcomes
- Elevating youth voice through participatory approaches to data and storytelling
- Streamlining administrative processes for greater efficiency and sustainability
- Building a national learning community across CYD organizations
Through YOLA, the LA Phil shares these priorities—leveraging music education as a pathway to personal growth, community connection, and artistic achievement. Our national programs bring together educators, students, and leaders from across the country to exchange practices, deepen collaboration, and advance a shared vision for youth development through the arts.
While each organization contributes in distinct ways, the connection between LA Phil, DreamYard, and the 3C Data Alliance reflects a broader commitment to field-wide collaboration. Together, these efforts support a future in which arts-based youth programs are not only transformative for individuals, but also supported by the data, partnerships, and shared knowledge needed to drive lasting, system-level impact.