Is Music Education Still Relevant?

edCircuit Opinion:

The short film “Hallelujah” by Aliza Eliazarov follows New York City students preparing for their big musical concert. These students have such a strong love for music that they have chosen lessons with their teacher, Peter Mancini, over recess. During the filming, it became evident how desperately these children needed music in their lives. “Hallelujah” follows the story of only one class in NYC. But, there are thousands more just like it across the country. The short film shines a light on the fact that these kids love what they are learning. More and more schools are choosing to cut music education programs every day.

Many deem music education as an unnecessary addition to the core curricula, yet studies have shown that high-quality music programs can help kids increase their test scores, boost social skills, and improve their self-esteem. According to Longview News Journal, music education is extracurricular that has the power to benefit children universally. Participants in high-quality music programs outperform their peers academically; this includes grade point average, graduation rates, ATC scores and more.

Why? The Humanist explains that it’s a result of transfer. Music has many more benefits than just learning how to read notes on a page. When students are given music training, they strengthen other important thinking skills as well. For instance, research has shown that those who can comprehend rhythm have a better understanding of spatial-temporal reasoning – an important piece of mathematical thought. Why? By understanding the concept of rhythm, students have gained insight into patterns, ratios, and fractions, making it easier for them to comprehend. Why are music programs the first to be cut from the core curriculum? What are ways we can ensure that more schools are providing high-quality music education?

At a Glance:

• Students that participate in quality music education score 22% higher in English and 20% better in    mathematics
• Practicing music reinforces teamwork, communication skills, self-discipline, and creativity.
• Creativity is one of the top-five skills important for success in the workforce
• Watch the short film “Hallelujah” by Aliza Eliazarov, which follows New York City students preparing for their    big musical concert

Around the Web:

Music Education For Children: Much More Than A Melody

Longview News Journal

Imagine for a moment a single extracurricular activity that could universally benefit children academically, socially, and personally. Imagine something that could help develop key brain functions and sharpen cognition, as well as improve self-confidence. Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Well, such an activity does exist:

Music education.

Music education does so much more than just teach children to play an instrument. It’s been proved time and time again that the whole learning process associated with music has a myriad of benefits that go way beyond being able to play a tune, like promoting fundamental brain development and a strong sense of well-being.

Studies have revealed that children involved in high-quality music programs receive consistently higher test scores. Across the country, these students delivered results around 22% higher in English and 20% better in mathematics than students in lower quality music programs. Another study showed that students who engage in music programs ‘outperformed their peers on every indicator: grade-point average, graduation rate, ACT scores, attendance and discipline referrals.’ In addition to higher test scores, music education helps to strengthen the brain by aiding in the development of robust brainstem responses to sound. The study points out that such activity during childhood has a direct impact on the way the brain functions during adulthood. Research also suggests that the act of practicing and performing music may strengthen connections in the brain related to decision making, memory, and creativity. There is even evidence that music training may help improve a child’s ability to process and juggle conflicting information, thus teaching the brain to become a better multitasker.

To read more visit Longview News Journal

The Importance of Music Education

Alexis Kalivretenos | The Humanist

What if there was one activity that could benefit every student in every school across the nation? An activity that could improve grades and scores on standardized testing? An activity that would allow students to form lasting friendships? An activity that would help students become more disciplined and confident?

Fortunately, there is such an activity. Unfortunately, many schools will not make it a part of their curriculum, due to issues of funding and scheduling. This activity is something that everyone is aware of, but not everyone has a chance to participate in. This activity is music.

For years, music classes have been the ugly ducklings of school curriculums—the last courses to be added, the first courses to be cut. They have always taken second place to traditional academic classes. Music, however, has proved itself to be extremely beneficial time and time again, from the undeniable improvement in grades regarding traditional academic classes to the glowing remarks from music students everywhere. In an ever-changing world, the addition of music education in schools needs to be next on the academic agenda.  Music education should be a required component in all schools due to the proven academic, social, and personal benefits that it provides.

To read more visit The Humanist

Education Week shares the short film “Hallelujah”, which follows New York City students preparing for their big concert

Watch the short film here