This article reviews research on the effects of music instruction on general cognitive abilities. The review of more than 75 reports shows (1) the consistency in results pertaining to the short-term effects of music instruction on cognitive abilities and the lack of clear evidence on the long-term effects on intelligence; (2) the complex nature of the relationship between music instruction and intellectual measures due to the intervention of factors associated with who is interested, studies, perseveres, and succeeds in learning music; and (3) the importance of music practice on the long-term cognitive benefits of music instruction.