The Importance of Music in Education

* ““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).

First, When children play an instrument "he or she [develops] key brain [functions] that enhance musical learning but also academic and social skills which [...] [improve] memory and the ability to differentiate sounds and speech". As a result, this could mean that students who do not play a musical instrument will be lacking an important aspect that instrument playing students do have. Second, music has done so much that "research has proven that access to a quality music education engages students in the classroom and increases graduation rates". Participating with an instrument can ultimately help students perform better in an academic setting which can take students very far in life. Lastly, Public polls in America show that " 89% of principals feel that a high-quality music education program contributes to their school achieving higher graduation rates".

Last but not least the music department can teach many new skills and not just learning an instrument. While involved and learning music it can teach not only how to sing or play an instrument but also patience, persistence, responsibility, how to read music, elevates performance skills, and how to work in a group or as a team.

Our interactions with it, the changes that have transpired, and the way in which we pass on and instruct the next generation through music is extremely vital. Music education has frequently proven to be beneficial to the “subjects” involved, both students and their teachers. This type of classroom’s mission is to ultimately carry out a synchronized musical performance; in order to execute it correctly, adherence to the “division of labor” is crucial. Akin to formal writing, music has a set of “rules” for ordering components, such as chords, intervals, and notes. Each child is assigned an instrument and a piece to play as their “mediating artifact”. It is not necessarily always about how well a student plays that matters, but the constant use of different senses, muscles, and brainpower, that improves literacy development and may even expand the brain’s capacity for neural connections. In upper-level schooling, institutions with music programs have recorded higher test scores, graduation rates, and overall attendance, compared to those lacking art

This source is an online article from a credible source: The National Association for Music Education (NAFME). The actual author is unknown. This source presents twenty significant advantages of music in schools. The advantages presented are actual facts due to studies performed. This article is important to my paper because it supports many of my claims with facts.

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.

First, in the area labeled success in society, Petress cites the Texas Commission on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse saying that teens in band and/or orchestra have the lowest rate of all substance abuse. He also cites Michael Greene that music education enhances spatial intelligence and is a solution to teen violence. Second, in the area labeled success in school, Petress cites College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers stating that students in music education tend to have higher scores on the SAT. He also states that students in music programs are less disruptive in schools. Third, in the area labeled success in developing intelligence, Petress “quotes Dr. John J. Ratey, M.D. saying ‘Dedicated [music] practice… can have a great payoff for lifelong attention skills, and an ability for self knowledge and expression.’”

Music in the classroom allows a child to feel a sense of connection. A classroom engaging in musical activities will create a welcoming atmosphere that makes the child feel accepted. Children participating in the classroom will also learn about teamwork through music collaborations. This learning environment helps teachers build strong relationships with children. It is important that teachers build relationships with students because it makes a difference on how children perform.

Opening the invigorating article, “Why Music Education? 2007” having so many atrocities pulling the world apart, music is a great way for bringing people together (9).

Music has been a part of our education and culture for a very long time. It is more than just teaching people how to play an instrument, dance, sing, and make art. The arts help teach students skills that when utilized will help them become more prepared

Moreover, teachers at music schools have a healthy competition going on among themselves. Teachers sit together during a cup of coffee or over lunch and discuss issues and methods of music education every day. After concerts and tests, they discuss about the progress of each student. It's quite a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere in the teachers' room and this helps the younger teachers learn new things from the

After decades of research that support the positive effects of music on cognition and academic success, debates involving which purpose of teaching music is more important have risen. While one music

learning to read music and understand concepts like time, rhythm, and pitch have a direct effect on a child’s ability to comprehend math skills. Secondly, studying the lyrics of music can teach students about syllabification, phonics, vocabulary, imagery, history, myths, folktales, geography, and culture. Also studies show there is a direct correlation between continued involvement in theater and success in math and reading. Students learning English as a second language may learn it faster with the use of music. Thematic learning helps children learn in a safe, enjoyable, student-centered environment. Students who take the time to master a musical instrument learn about hard work, practice, and discipline. While performing in a group – like

Incorporating music into education courses will further achievement in multiple areas of learning. Education combined with music accommodates building language, confidence, creativity, open mindedness, and a stress free student. Also, it enhances brain development, physical coordination, and memory, visual and listening skills. Music makes learning exciting and enjoyable.

It seems that from the beginning of time, music has been an important part of people’s lives. However, today, it seems that the number of people who advocate the everlasting presence of music is dwindling, and the number of people only concerned with economic stability and the core curriculum in schools is rising. Budgets in schools are being cut, and the music programs are usually at the beginning of the list when a particular area is to be disbanded. Action is being taken against the loss of music education in schools, and the people fighting to save and rejuvenate this precious resource have established many strong arguments. Meghann C. Russell of Towson University says , "Several studies have shown that