The Importance Of Music Education

In their “Music Matters” pamphlet, the Arts Education Association argues that arts education improves students’ abilities in Core tested areas and brain development. It is vital for every child to be able to better themselves in addition to their mind. A new study from the National Institutes of Health Magnetic Resonance (MRI) Study of Normal Brain Development says that training in music helps children be more mature emotionally and behaviorally, in addition to refined fine motor skills (Nutt). These are the developments that all children need in order to develop healthily. Mathematical skills are learned and reinforced in musical practice, which is why band kids perform better in math than their other nonmusical peers as they age in their educational careers (Arts Education Partnership). This is important because this development is dual-purposed for two subjects and relates them both to academic improvement. Leveling the playing field in the terms of students better understanding an essential subject will also aid in their development because they will be able to understand English more. Music students also have stronger determination, leadership skills, and observation and performance abilities that future universities and employers search for in successful students and employees (Arts Education Partnership). These benefits are multi-purposed and useful in numerous aspects of a person’s academic and employment future. Should these be made available for all students in order to give them equal opportunities to prepare them for the real world, then they will most likely have the opportunity to become

During the twenty-first century, the main topic of discussion in politics have been funding for public schools. In 2008, the federal government decided to stop funding public schools in approximately 60% of the United States (Leachman). Due to these budget cuts, many school corporations have decided to stop funding many extracurricular and curricular activities. The most common area of focus are the arts, more specifically, music. Music programs have been forced to reduce the amount of equipment in their classrooms. This has greatly impacted students productivity negatively due to some necessary materials not being available to them. Students aren’t able to learn effectively and gain the knowledge that music provides. Some school corporations have decided to cut music out of their curriculum entirely because it is too much to provide for. Many corporate boards have refused to look at the benefits of music in a young student’s education. While having a music program is extremely expensive, the gain of being exposed to music is much more important. Music has the ability to sculpt a young delinquent’s brain in a way that benefits the academic, social and emotional, corporal, and literacy and language aspects in their lives.

* ““95% percent of Americans believe that music is a key-component in a child’s well-rounded education, 80% percent of respondents agreed that music makes the participants smarter; 78% believe that learning a musical instrument helps students perform better in other subject areas; and 88% believe participation in music helps teach children discipline” (Hurley 3),” (par 1).

Across the United States many elementary school music classrooms are filled with simple and popular tunes such as Hot Cross Buns and The Ode to Joy, played on the recorder, while high school students may be playing collegiate or professional pieces of music such as Armenian Dances and Carmen Suites. I have been very fortunate to have gone on the journey of progressing through different music education programs within Fairfax County Public Schools. If I was never exposed to music while in elementary school I might not have ever found one of my greatest passions or been able to create such fond and unforgettable memories. While music education programs across the country appear large and strong, many schools are beginning to experience budget reductions. As a result, music is often the very first component of a school 's curriculum or programs to be cut or significantly reduced, but I believe this is not the right course of action. It is important to preserve and promote music education in public schools because of the proven cognitive, character,and academic benefits for students.

Music education has consistently been at the bottom of the educational priority ladder. With minimal prospects and intense competition for a successful career, music classes have been eclipsed in student interest and funding by courses related to the more lucrative STEM careers. Although music education creates a hefty burden for the school board, the numerous personal benefits warrant music opportunities for all students.

Since the financial recession in 2008, 80% of schools in America have cut funding (Boyd). The first programs to go are that of music education. Although some schools have no choice, this cut in one of the most important subjects where children can learn is extremely detrimental to their learning and growth. Music and music education benefits people through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood and should therefore be kept in schools.

Playing an instrument engages both the left and the right brain, builds and strengthens connections between brain cells, and basically makes the brain work harder (Wilcox 2012). Students who play an instrument have higher SAT scores. Research has shown that students in music programs score 63 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher on the math sections of the SATs than students who do not participate in music programs (Johnson 2006, Catterall UCLA 2006, The College Entrace Examination Board). The most remarkable test score improvements are found in the lower socio-economic groups of kids (Catterall 2012). Research studies in 2005 (Columbia University, Bastian) and 2007 (Barry, Cutietta) both showed improved academic performance, higher IQs, and better scores on standardized tests in students who play one or more musical instruments (U.S. Department of Education, Catterall 2002, Helmrich 2010). Almost all the past winners of the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science, and Technology for high school students played one or more musical instruments. Data has shown the neurological benefits of musical education in processing foreign languages due to the subject’s brains being able to process sounds, pitches, and frequencies (Northwestern University Auditory Neuroscience 2011). The Neurosciences Institute (Karus

Music classes, including choir, band and more never filling the halls with sound. Creative classes like journalism and creative writing, will now be prohibiting our freedom of speech. All these classes are the ones many find the most fun. These classes in particular are the ones being cut from schools. So many people think these programs are unnecessary, even though they help so many kids with their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as so much more. Yes, these programs can be costly at times, but many get donations and do their own fundraising. Though these programs can be costly, the benefits to these young adults taking these classes cannot be compared. “Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance,” (11 Facts About Arts in Education). The influence of music and arts throughout individuals’ lives has been proven to academically expand their

This philosophy essay will focus on the current state of music education within secondary schools across Australia, choosing to address the particular issue of student access to appropriate levels of information, communication and technology interfaces (ICT’s) within the classroom, and the supporting role they play in music education. Secondary students do not always have equal opportunities and miss out on music participation due to conditions surrounding music provision – e.g. due to a “crowded curriculum” (too many cross-curricular activities and subjects), the impact of other subjects, lack of confidence among music teachers and shortage of resources (Hoegh-Guldberg, 2013). This essay explores how the current lack of availability and use of ICT’s for music education purposes, as well as the general lack of music technology resources and facilities can have a detrimental effect on student learning, or lack there-of. If students do not have access to the level of technology and support that they need to adhere to certain technological requirements in the Australian Curriculum, then they are deprived of the full benefit of teaching and learning in a modern technological era.

Due to the declining economy, school boards around the country have decided to cut funding to the music education programs. It is necessary to keep music education in the American school system because it enhances the development of skills that children will use for the rest of their lives.

Over 2.1 million children around the country do not have access to a music education program (Pellegrinelli 2). These students that are not introduced to music education could be able to learn and understand mathematics and reading skills much more efficiently by simply introducing music into their lives (Taylor 2). When involved in music, anxiety and depression levels could decrease as well (“Landmark 1). Music is not required in all schools, and students could benefit from more music education (Braun 1). Even though many students dislike music and think it is too hard, schools should be obliged to require music classes through grade school because students that are actively involved in music gain many

There is scientific evidence that listening to and playing music increases skills in the brain and musicians are able to apply it to almost anything else in their lives. Neuroscientists have made an incredible breakthrough in seeing how the brain reacts in different situations using real time monitoring with technology such as PET scans. By using these scans, you can see when someone is doing activities such as reading or doing a maths problem, where certain areas of the brain activate on the monitor. However, when the participants listened to music, scientists saw the entire brain engage using multiple areas to take apart the rhythm and melody, then put them back together creating a unified sound in the mind. When listening to music, the brain engages and is able to recognise the sounds, all in a split second. This fascinating result was then compared with the study of those who play music themselves as opposed to just listening to it and it showed that when playing an instrument you are not only engaging your brain but working all the different areas just like exercise would. Even though the research is still new, it has shown the brain can simultaneously process different information at a very fast pace. The parts of the brain that control motor skills, hearing, storing audio information and memory become more active when someone learns an

“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in schools, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective” -Bill Clinton. Majoring in music will teach one the requirements and skills necessary for the job, advantages and disadvantages of teaching music to children, and how concert band and marching band differ from each other.

Many people believe that the arts, specifically music programs, hold no beneficial value to students other than for an extracurricular activity. Others believe that having these programs within our schools, only takes away from instructional time. However, research has shown that music education, and exposure to music in general, provides great benefits and values to the adolescents that are involved in said programs (“Music Matters”). Participation in music programs promotes the advancement of academic scores and sets students on the path to success later in life. Furthermore, these programs, be it instrumental or vocal, provide an outlet for adolescents to express themselves and have truly lasting implications on their global development. Notwithstanding all of the pleasure and self-confidence gained through participation in music programs, music education may provide important benefits towards students’ academics by improving their concentration levels and cultivating higher order thinking skills that may increase academic achievement.

“Education- should enhance understanding of the world, of oneself, and of one’s own experience” (Kelly 2009). What is important about music education? There are many important aspects in music education like pedagogy and performance. For me, music education is about letting the students express themselves. Having the ability to give an idea or to vent is a vital tool in today’s society. This concept influences music because expression is not only in how to connect a phrase, but also how to tell a story. With my time in college, Dr. Joseph Frye will always tell me to tell a story with music. He will also ask me what I want to feel after playing a piece. This is what I believe is important in music education.