In today’s society, we are exposed to music almost constantly, whether it’s a movie soundtrack, music in a store, attending a concert, singing in the shower or just listening while we fall asleep. In the KC metro area, most elementary school children experience music through general music classes, but what about going beyond that to more in-depth music study through private lessons or joining a musical group? What is the value of that?
A Google search for “why should children study music?” yields 197 million results! Apparently, I am not the only one who realizes the immense value of music for children! Donald Hodges, UNC-Greensboro music professor, observes:
“Music provides unique and invaluable insights into the human condition. Music allows us to know, discover, understand, experience, share or express such aspects of the human condition as feelings, aesthetic experiences, thoughts, structure, time and space, self-knowledge, self-identity, group identity and healing and wholeness. If the purpose of an education is to systematically develop the mind and capabilities of every child, it is clear that music has a unique and necessary role to play.”
Scientists have discovered that music is the only activity that stimulates and activates the entire brain. Music is a science. It’s mathematics. It’s a foreign language. It’s physical education. It’s art. Music can change and shape your life. Music is worth being actively involved in for a variety of reasons. Here are five:
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Countless reputable studies demonstrate that music study correlates with increased academic abilities and physical skills. Engagement in music boosts brain power and development, improves language abilities, assists with motor skills and coordination and results in higher grades and better test scores. Philosopher Plato said, “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education. I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” The link between music involvement and success in school and life is indisputable.
CHARACTER BUILDING
Character building through active music participation is endless! Children develop discipline as they set aside regular practice time, patience as they wait on others to perfect their parts, diligence as they work on a piece repeatedly, craftsmanship as they gain mastery of their instrument, and self-confidence as they proudly present their musical performance.
The Herrera boys participate in Allegro Choir. Jake shares how singing in front of audiences is a useful skill. It helps him gain confidence while performing on stage. Ben says singing in Allegro has helped him develop his vocal skills, which has proven useful during congregational singing at church. Eli likes how choir helps a person read music well, and how he can feel confident with the music he has learned. Christine, their mom, says, “I personally feel that choir helps kids to develop discipline. They have to stay focused so they can learn their music well, as well as developing a love for different styles of music.”
SELF-EXPRESSION
The great French writer Victor Hugo said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and what is impossible to keep silent.” Music provides an unequaled opportunity to express individuality, creativity and emotion! As a music teacher, I have had great joy seeing students blossom as they have the opportunity to express themselves through music. As they receive basic technical instruction, the music becomes part of them, and the creativity that emerges is truly amazing. What makes a piece of music unique are the feelings, perspective and creativity that a performer or conductor brings to it from his or her own experience. Music is an incredible outlet for self-expression.
SOCIAL SKILLS
Numerous vital social skills are engrained in musical training. As students persevere in private lessons and in musical groups, they learn communication, problem solving, teamwork, individual responsibility, cooperation, connecting with others and greater cultural understanding.
One of my favorite former music students is Chris Dye, U.S. Army specialist. He expresses the significance of music this way: "Music has been the most influential part of my life. Starting at a young age, I've been involved with music in some capacity. I've been fortunate enough to travel abroad…and now I have the joy of serving my country as an Army bandsmen. I am training to be a musician and a soldier…and I am extremely honored and humbled. I would not be where I am today without the bonds and relationships I have formed through music."
LIFELONG IMPACT
The fact that you don’t ever have to give up making music is one of the best things about it! It is an ongoing source of enjoyment in your life. You can start playing or singing when you’re 6 and still be playing and singing when you’re 96! Such was the case with my Great Uncle James and Aunt Margaret who sang and played together for 70 years, blessing thousands of people.
Engagement in the arts creates productive citizens who are less stressed, better educated and more well-rounded. Parker Daniels, manager of Funky Munky Music, says music entirely changed his life. “I grew up in a small town where there wasn't much to do but get in trouble,” he says. “Simply put, music was my out. It was my anti-drug, my ticket to a nearly-free college education, the basis for my career and the source of all of the income I've ever made in my adult life.”
If you want your children to succeed academically, build strong character, creatively express themselves, have excellent social skills and develop a lifelong love of music that can be shared with others, why not sign them up for music lessons?! It will be well worth the time and money invested!
A certified elementary music teacher, Tori Walker writes from Shawnee where she teaches piano lessons, homeschools her three daughters and blogs at Mom-in-Progress.com.