Exploring the Impact of Music Arts Education on Cognitive Development in College Students: A Qualitative Study at HD College in Inner Mongolia, China

This qualitative study explores the impact of music arts education on cognitive development among college students at HD College in Inner Mongolia, China. Drawing upon phenomenological inquiry, the research aims to investigate students' perceptions of the effects of music arts education on cognitive processes and to understand their experiences and perspectives within this context. The study involves 60 participants from the art department, who engage in semi-structured interviews to provide rich insights into their lived experiences with music education. The findings reveal that music arts education enhances cognitive abilities such as memory retention, critical thinking, and emotional regulation. Additionally, students report experiencing personal growth, social connection, and emotional well-being through their engagement with music education. While the study contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted benefits of music arts education, it also highlights the need for further research to explore the long-term effects, comparative analyses across different contexts, and interventions aimed at optimizing music education for cognitive development.