Importance Of Music In Education

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

* “when you speak with great educators, and look behind the test scores, the lessons learned in studying music, learning to play an instrument, playing in a band, learning to read music, all provide a richness to a child's education that will last a lifetime,” (par 1).

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:

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

Aristotle says, “music possesses the power of producing an effect on the character of the soul (Cahn, 2012, p. 102).” This quote explains very well why music is so important in schools. A few advantages to having music in student’s curriculum is that they will have an easier time memorizing, learning patterns, and self-discipline. An important lesson students learn simultaneously with music is performance. Performance is important because, “It is difficult, if not impossible, for those who have never taken part in performances to become good judges of others (Cahn, 2012, p. 103).

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

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.

Music is an important factor in many lives. It makes us who we are. For some students it may help them get through the school day. It helps them with the stress from

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.

Music helps the students with their self confidence. The kids improve the mood after the music class. The teacher is always encouraging them to do better and giving them encouragement to do better in life. Their peers will be with them in what activity they decide to do. “With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication for students” ("20 Important Benefits of Music In Our Schools.").

Many schools have been cutting back on art classes lately, especially music classes. It takes plenty of time, practice, and money that schools just do not have. Ever since the recession in 2008, most schools never saw a reason to bring back music classes that were cut. Parents do not want to take the initiative to buy lessons as well because paying for instruments, gear, and lessons all at once can start to feel financially suffocating. But, despite this, music education can actually play a huge role in the growth of children. Despite music class cutbacks and parents’ unwillingness or inability to provide music lessons; musical training, especially when begun early, has many positive cognitive, academic, and social benefits that will last a lifetime.

Public school music programs are essential for every student. There are many benefits of a music program in public schools. One benefit of a music program in public school is that it helps students to build their memorization skills. This is true because ever since I was participating in a music program in my public school my memorization skills improved tremendously. Another reason public school music programs are essential to every student is that it can improve their hand-eye coordination, this is also true because ever since I was in band my soccer skills improved. Thus, there are many benefits of public school music

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.

It is widely accepted that music helps with learning. If so, then why are music programs from public schools cut? While music can be extremely expensive and distracting from other subjects in school, students involved in a music program can benefit. They are able to remember better, learn and understand language easier, and stay in school longer. Before students graduate, however, they need to make sure they have a good memory.

Music is not only something you can hear, you can see it and feel it; notes on a scale dance on the page, a rhythmic beat keeps tempo with your heartbeat as the sound penetrates your eardrums. Music is used to pump up an audience before the “BIG game or create an ambiance in a dim restaurant; Music is mood altering. In the movies, music is constantly incorporated within episodes because it is powerful enough to create suspense, romance, fear or joy. Oddly enough, this combination along with the pipeline to prison concept prompted the thought process about the lack of music in public education. “Pomona Unified School District has decreased the funding for music programs, ultimately excluding off-task students from a positive educational experience; therefore, funds should be available to support music in education. By its own nature music is calming, connective, and cognitive which can encourage off- task students to succeed in school.