Children will be monitored over three years during the music project

The link between music and young children's development is to be investigated in a �500, 000 study by Northumbria University.

Researchers will look at musical development in children aged under five, and see if it helps prepare them for primary school, especially in the areas of literacy and numeracy.

The work is being conducted on behalf of Youth Music and it will be based on children from early years in North Tyneside.

Youngsters from the Sure Starts in Howden and Wallsend will be taking part.

Sure Start is the government's programme to support children, parents and communities through the integration of early education, childcare and health and family support services.

The music project will run over three years and will track some of the children into primary school to see if music education has had an affect on their learning.

'Blood to brain'

Musicians will go into the centres and work with young children, as well as pay for instruments for the children to use.

The research is being conducted by Jim Clark and Helen Taylor, both of Northumbria University.

Ms Taylor said: "Engaging in music stimulates various parts of the brain and enables children to listen in a more focused way when they are introduced to new subject areas.

"Moving to music also stimulates blood to the brain which makes individuals more alert and receptive to learning.''

The research team has already carried out several arts and music research projects that have pointed to music having a positive impact on children's development.

This long-term study, which will look at the whole range of music activities including listening, moving to and engaging in music, seeks to consolidate these findings.