The Importance Of Music In Education

Living in a world surrounded by noises and sounds, one cannot deny that music lives all around them. Schools, street corners, sporting events, there is one thing you will always find: music. Music education is quickly becoming defunct in schools, as many try to decry its many benefits. A growing emphasis on the concrete subjects of math and science, whose benefits are more immediate, are pushing the creativity and imagination of music classes to the back of the budget. Music education is no longer described as stimulating and exciting, but rather unnecessary and distracting. But the benefits of having an education in music is undeniable. Simply being around music can have a positive impact on life. Music enables the human race to discover emotions that they have never uncovered before. The human mind is refreshed by music; “our imagination and memories are stimulated by the sounds, and summon feelings and memories associated with the musical sound” (Wingell 15). Without music, the world would be silent. Lifeless. No matter what language one speaks or what culture one is from, music is a universal language, connecting the hearts of people around the entire world. In schools throughout the nation, that connection is being severed because of budget cuts and lack of funding, but the benefits of music education are clear. The benefits of having an education in music are not only present in the classroom; a lasting impact is also left on the social and emotional growth of a person, though the gains may not be evinced immediately. Participating in musical education programs in schools can give students the opportunity to form lasting friendships and to gain skills that will last them their entire lives. Music education can be beneficial to students because it enhances students’ performance in the classroom, aids in improving student’s interest and engagement in school, and advances students’ social and emotional growth.

“Seventy percent of students involved in “in school” arrests or referred to the law enforcement are Black or Latino” (Travis doc). A majority of students attend school to graduate or further their education, but many do not have the opportunity to accomplish neither of these achievements. A great majority of students are being sent down the school-to-prison pipeline, which is a transition from school to the juvenile or prison system. Schools have adopted a strict and militaristic policy to deal with defiant, violent, and slow learning students. Most students are expelled, suspended or referred to the police, but most issues could be handled without expelling, suspending, or notifying the police. “Far too often, students are suspended, expelled

Traditionally, misbehaving during class was met with a trip to the principal’s office, however, the influx of law enforcement patrolling school hallways has enabled officers to arrest and transport students from school to juvenile detention centers for minor infractions, disproportionately affecting minority students. As such, school policies that encourage a police presence have increased a student’s risk of suspension or expelled. Consequently, a teacher’s decision to refer a student for punishments can lead a student to the principal’s officer or introduce them to the juvenile justice system. For example, although constituting 18 percent of students enrolled in school nationally, black and Hispanic students are 3.5 times more likely to be

This article, posted first on The Music Parents Guide, is also available on the NAFME website and was written by Tony Mazzocchi. The article begins with a reference to the recent inclusion of music as a part of core education, considered a progressive step by many in the music education community. However, Tony warns that despite this legal change, schools will need to be convinced to make real changes in supporting their music programs as an equal part of the students’ education. To this end, three reasons are provided for why schools need music today:

As a young boy, Bill Clinton loved everything about his music class in school. Clinton was in the school band and he played the tenor saxophone; it was his favorite pass time. His hard work paid off when he became one of the best saxophone players in his school and won first chair in the state band's saxophone section. Frightened of the future, Clinton used his musical talent to earn multiple academic and musical scholarships for college. Later in his life, Clinton ran for president and became the 42nd President of the United States ("It All Began in a Place Called Hope”). Clinton shows his support for the arts when he states, “I do not think I would have become President if it were not for my school music program” (qtd. in Wise 1). Art and music in public schools are usually funded by the government; however, not everyone agrees that these programs should be funded by the government. There are two main sides to the

Each year there is “that one student”; the kid with the headphones, the kid who never appears to be listening, when you (the teacher) go to ask them to take the headphones out, they tell you that the music helps them. This is the student who panics at the word test, and struggles to pay attention when they do not have their headphones in, they have a hard time with other kids. As a teacher it’s your job to make sure all students follow the rules, and focus in the classroom. You may not be trying to make it hard for them, you are just trying to make sure they learn. Many may feel that students can not learn or comprehend when they have a headphone on, however research shows that students who listen to music have better behaviour, less stress, and higher grade scores.

Picture yourself walking through a hallway in a high school The same hallway that every Friday afternoon the band marches down playing music for the football game pep rally. Or, visualize walking by the auditorium and hearing the beautiful, distinct voices of each person in the choir. Now, picture that same school but with no music education, no band, and no glee clubs. Imagine that group of kids for whom music was a major part of their world. Where do you see these kids now? Lost? Hurting? Not able to cope or fit in to a group of people? Wondering where they belong? Music education is slowly getting eliminated in public schools. Without these ensembles, kids do not have a way to express their feelings and are not able to connect with other

Music is an amazing thing. Many people can make music in many different ways and it is

Chapter fifteen is all about how music affects the classroom atmosphere. Music can help with classroom management which has a direct effect of the atmosphere of the classroom. Music can encourage confidence which can help with academic problems. Music can make a classroom feel friendly and welcoming on the first day. A good morning song can help students start off on the right foot. A song can also provide a clear beginning to the day and help with structure. Students could sing a patriotic song after the pledge of allegiance. A lot of patriotic songs are hard for students to sing but a few songs are good. “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” would be a great song for students to sing.

In the article Superintendents Speak up for Music Education by Karen Cross, it was all about how the superintendents in four different districts viewed the music program. The four districts that they focused on were Fort Bend ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Klein ISD, and Mesquite ISD. This article was more in an interview format, every superintended was asked the same question. The four of them seemed to agree on one thing, that is the importance of having a music program in the schools. When asked about some of the benefits that students attain from being in a music program, they all agreed that it helps them develop life skills. The music program can be seen as a relaxing class by many students. When using the word relaxing, I am not referring

Elementary schools around the country are starting to cut out music education. Fortunately, there are many schools that still recognize the importance of music education. Malinda Williams is a teacher at the Baldwin Hills Elementary School. She is also a fan of Motown Classics. The Jackson 5 was one of the most popular groups during the Motown era.

Music has a way of helping a person express what they cannot say out loud. It can motivate, instigate, drive, empower, breakdown, and release the feelings inside of a person. Students across America use music to increase their skill level in areas like memorization and discipline. (http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/) Now, place yourself in a school where music is forbidden, un-funded, or cut out from all aspects of education. It’s hard to imagine what your day would be like without any music. How might it change your mood, actions and work ethic? Not allowing music at school will completely change the dynamics of students’ lives for the worse.

As you can see, music and dance are very influential in the culture of Brazil. Therefore, music education is also important in the lives of the Brazilian people. Children are exposed to music from an early age through family and community. Unfortunately, music education is not highly regarded in the school system. The amount of music education differs greatly by school and teachers. Most public schools do not have a special music teacher or department. In order to be well educated in music a student would need to attend a private school or a conservatory. As we transition into talking about education, we see that there are many different positives and negatives to school in southern Brazil.

Music curriculum in the public-school system is something that is often supported but is not enforced. Music curriculum is important because of all of the cognitive benefits that can be obtained but due to it not being enforced, many students choose to opt out of music classes. Schools should enforce continuous music curriculum throughout a student’s educational career because of music’s ability to improve brain function and development. Continuous music curriculum leads to physical changes in the brain that include increased grey matter, which can lead to cognitive changes such as speech, language, and memory and an increase in the size of the corpus callosum which leads to an increase in overall intelligence.

“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.