Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or
playing an instrument. But despite this almost universal interest, many
schools are having to do away with their music education programs. This
is a mistake, with schools losing not only an enjoyable subject, but a
subject that can enrich students’ lives and education. Read on to learn
why music education is so important, and how it offers benefits even
beyond itself.
1. Musical training helps develop language and reasoning:
Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the
brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is
better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on
young minds.
2. A mastery of memorization: Even when performing
with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to
perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education
and beyond.
3. Students learn to improve their work: Learning
music promotes craftsmanship, and students learn to want to create good
work instead of mediocre work. This desire can be applied to all
subjects of study.
4. Increased coordination: Students who practice
with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination. Just
like playing sports, children can develop motor skills when playing
music.
5. A sense of achievement: Learning to play pieces
of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal.
Students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel
proud of their achievement.
6. Kids stay engaged in school: An enjoyable subject
like music can keep kids interested and engaged in school. Student
musicians are likely to stay in school to achieve in other subjects.
7. Success in society: Music is the fabric of our
society, and music can shape abilities and character. Students in band
or orchestra are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime.
Musical education can greatly contribute to children’s intellectual
development as well.
8. Emotional development: Students of music can be
more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures They
also tend to have higher self esteem and are better at coping with
anxiety.
9. Students learn pattern recognition: Children can
develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of
musical education. Playing music offers repetition in a fun format.
10. Better Entrance Exam scores: Students who have experience
with music performance or appreciation score higher on the IIT, Medical, SAT and other entrance exams. For example in case of SAT along. one
report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math
for students in music appreciation courses.
