School-Based Classical Music for ADHD Symptoms in Children

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether classical music exposure can reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in elementary school children.

Study Design: A quasi-experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the SDN Klampis Ngasem 1, Surabaya, Indonesia, from July 2024 to July 2025, encompassing preparation, data collection, and analysis over one year, with each participant completing a two-week intervention period.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was performed among 121 third-grade students screened using the Abbreviated Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale (ACTRS). Children scoring ≥12 were considered to have ADHD-
related symptoms, and 26 met inclusion criteria after parental consent. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 13), who listened to classical music for 20 minutes over five sessions, or a control group (n = 13), who continued regular activities. Teachers completed the ACTRS before and after the intervention.

Results: The intervention group showed a significant decrease in ACTRS scores from 14.61 ± 2.98 to 10.46 ± 3.55 (p = 0.005), whereas the control group showed no significant change (median 12.00 pre- vs 12.00 post-intervention, p = 0.59). Between-group analysis confirmed greater improvement in the intervention group (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: Short-term classical music listening significantly reduced ADHD-related symptoms based on teacher ratings. This low-cost, non-invasive approach shows promise as a complementary strategy, though confirmation through larger and diagnostically verified studies is needed.