The Importance Of Musical 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.

Despite the vast number of children who learn musical instruments, many people still do not fully understand all the benefits of music education. When budget cuts and low funding threaten course elimination, music is often one of the first to go. This should not be the case, however, because “learning to play an instrument can build self-esteem, increase various social and academic skills and can help them become a well-rounded person” (Montgomery). Music education is incredibly valuable, especially for children. The benefits that children can gain from learning music will make lasting impacts on them. Playing musical instruments has copious benefits on a child’s intellect, and social skills, and personal growth.

In today’s society, the value of music education is declining at an alarming speed. Many schools around the United States have been forced to cut spending on music in place of other classes that are viewed as being much more important. This is a travesty for our culture and for our future generations. Little does our society realize that there are many benefits that music education has to offer. The Government should make every kids take a music class of their choice at a young age.

Elementary schools and high schools across the U.S. have lately suffered from financial strain. Because of this, budget cuts have to be made and music programs often suffer before sports and academics. Although some people believe that music is not a key component in preparing for employment and higher education, yet several others express otherwise, who say music has been shown to stimulate other parts of a student’s mind that can help them excel. Statistics have shown that the correlation between music class and other academia is not only positive for students, but also can improve future scholastic abilities, and thus should not be cut from schools. Through the evaluation of various sources

* ““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).

Web. 21 Feb. 2016. This article’s author argues that it is important for music classes to remain available to children in school due to their mental benefits. The author explains that many school boards tirelessly attempt to eliminate music programs, however, there is abundant evidence that supports keeping the programs since learning music can dramatically improve children’s ability to read and comprehend math. The author backs their argument with a plethora of statistics from various sources showing the sharp contrast between the scores of music and non-music students. This article adds to the proof that education can be aided by a student’s understanding of

Music programs are constantly in danger of being cut from shrinking school budgets even though they're proven to improve academics. In May 2005 a Harris Poll showed that ninety three percent of the population agree the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education for children, a two percent increase over 2001 (Catterall). This evidence shows that the people believe that these programs are indeed improving and are important to the lives of students. Along with the fact that Studies done mostly in children of young age show that their academic performance increases after a certain period of music education and training. One particular study published in the journal 'Nature' showed that when groups of first graders were given music instruction

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

In light of such positive data, it is tempting to conclude that music must be a consequential variable in elevating student achievement. However, these findings potentially tell us more about our students than about the effects of music. (Demoresi and Morrison, 2000, p. 37)

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.

In one short week, my entire outlook on being a teacher morphed drastically. Until this time, I had an idea of what it was going to be like as a music teacher. These thoughts were simple and practical. Never did I realize how exhausting, time-consuming, stressful, and amazing it would actually be. This week helped me reflect upon my philosophy of music education. It also allowed me to work on certain goals that I would like to attain before I accept my first teaching position. The experience was an overall taste of what I will be experiencing full time in just over a year.

Whether the children who are involved in the music program grow up to become a parent or continue their interest and turn it into a career. Seeing how music affects children, positively and negatively, allows adults to see the best solution for lacking music programs. Although you must ask, Is the lack of music programs a good thing? Avoiding the negative experience, such as the children’s experience in London, in paragraph 4, allows educators to understand the view that maybe the music program is the issue, as well as our own teaching methods or skill levels. Having music programs obviously expands a child’s abilities in other cases, such as the children in juvenile centers, but what is the solution? Should music programs be important, or do they not matter? As most parents agree a child’s interests are important, as well as being able to explore and find themselves. Music programs allow students to explore a new side, that not only fulfills their interest, but develops social skills. As parents raise their children supporting their interests and future, educators in music help push along the skills each child is developing. Whether the government provides “arts-rich” music programs in a school determines how much these children can explore music, while staying busy instead of in

The stigma associated with pursuing an education in the musical arts affects the decision of many musicians nationwide. The appeal of guaranteed financial and career stability of STEM and other paths of high demand jobs is very difficult to pass up, even by the most dedicated musicians. Then, the input and advice of outsiders come into play. These onlookers not only encourage study of the hard sciences and a foolproof path to success via university, but they also totally and blatantly discourage and belittle the intelligence, rationality and integrity of not just the paths of musicians, but all liberal artists. Don’t you want to make money? What do you mean you won’t have internships, don’t you want a job? How are you going to survive? This blitzkrieg of questioning and doubt, though theoretically peripheral to the bigger picture, is reasonably common, however, severely unjustified. Pursuing a formal college education in music is easily one of the best things you could do for yourself, regardless of whether or not this is the career path of your choosing. As a student of formal music education, you are actually being trained in more real world skills than most other majors, which will prepare you for many careers, making you stand-out amongst the masses. Being a music major, you learn more than just music, you learn problem-solving skills, how to communicate and collaborate, and how to overcome failure, which are all essential skills to have as a professional in today’s day

“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.

Many researchers have studied the subject of teaching music and methods to increase musical understanding in the elementary and secondary school settings. Many pedagogical developers have presented methods in which they feel are most effective. “Critical pedagogy is not a traditional music-teaching method, as it combines philosophy and pedagogy, theory and practice. Unlike Orff, Kodály, or Dalcroze, there are no specific teaching techniques or prescribed body of musical repertoire students must hear or perform in the classroom. There are no required materials, such as instruments or tennis balls, and no prescribed scope and sequence” (Abrahams, 2005, p. 12). Abrahams continues that pedagogy comes from a rich and varied music program, and encourages multiple and liberating experiences in the learning process.