Music EducationBy: Rebecca Sollman

Table of Contents

Success in Society

Music is inevitably a part of our society.

Culturally, music is one that sets one apart from another due to the individuality of the art.

Vital to economy

Impacts human characteristics:“ Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances. Jan 1998“create jobs, increase local tax base, boost tourism, spur growth related businesses. Oct 1996

Success in SchoolMusic subconsciously increases the cognitive, communication, and study skills of children.

When children participate in musical groups they learn how to behave appropriately in an academic environment.

“Music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students.” 1998“students who participated in music performance scored 51 points higher on verbal and 41 points higher on the SATs. Students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on the verbal part and 44 points higher on math.

Success in Life

Music can help increase success in school, employment, and social situations.

Music education, especially during the elementary years, enhances ones psychological, spiritual, and physical components eternally.

“.. There were significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and loneliness following keyboard lessons.” Dr. Frederick Tims, 1999

“Music is one way for young people to connect with themselves, but it is also a bridge for connecting with others. Though music, we can introduce children to the richness and diversity of the human family and to the myriad rhythms of life.” Daniel A. Carp

Intrinsic Effects

Self esteem- music at times can be quite difficult, but it is also rewarding. This can lead to a natural increase in self esteem, as well as the accomplishment of a concert or recital.

Self Expression- Music is a innovated way to express ourselves. Through composing arrangements to writing lyrics we can define ourselves, our values, things we can’t say. It is an outlet.

Enjoyment- Enjoyment is often overlooked in music. Some get so caught up in the performance and practicing. If one would take a step back they would see how calming it is to just play because they like to play.

Music and the BrainDr. Frank Wilson showed that practicing instruments increases coordination, concentration, memory, and improves eyesight and hearing.

In a different study he showed that develops intellect. “ These musical activities train the brain in aesthetic literacy and the students’ perceptual imaginative and visual abilities.

In a study conducted at UCLA it was proven through brain scan research that music more adequately involves the brain , right and left side, than any other activity studied

Reflecting on Intrinsic, Mind and Body Effects.

The intrinsic effects of music are indescribable, especially to children, and young adults. Children are constantly changing, being judged, compared and frequently stressed out more and more with time. Music supports children through their maturing stages.

When we talk about music we are using the left side of our brain but playing it would focus on the right side. It is a good brain activity.

Coordination is also a way for music to capture the sports audience. Improving your hand- eye coordination.

ReasonsThere is no time in the school day. Children will be missing what is taught in the classroom

It serves as a distraction to children

We do not have time music. We are trying to improve test scores.

Decreasing funds and school budgets.

Children who have no interest in music should not be forced to participate.

Public schools cannot keep up with modern technology

ProofSituation

“Early this decade, Gordon Shaw incited discussion of the connection between music and learning when they revealed the results of their work with college students. The researchers found that listening to 10 minutes of a Mozart piano sonata improved students' abilities to perform some spatial-reasoning tasks (for example, to see patterns in objects or numbers). While the benefits faded quickly after the music was stopped, that research opened the door to a follow-up study with preschool children.” (Hopkins)

Follow- up“In the follow-up study, 78 preschoolers were given tests designed to measure spatial abilities. Then a fourth of those students then were given a 12-15 minute private piano lesson each week for six months. At the end of that period, the tests were administered again. The results confirmed the impact of music instruction on students' spatial-reasoning skills. On one test that required students to assemble a puzzle of a camel, the students who received piano instruction show significantly more improvement than the other children did. “ (Hopkins)

Reflection on music cut out

Just because music is an art does not mean that it should be the first thing to go with whatever excuse is used. With all opinions aside whether some people aren’t interested, or think it is disruptive, or a waste of time; the deciding factor should be the statistics. Clearly the statistics show that Music Education leads to the highest education scores all around. People need to approach this debate with an non-judgmental state of mind.

ConclusionMusic impacts human life a substantial amount. It is proven that music improves areas of our brain that no other activity can replace. Academically it makes us more intelligent and improves our skills without children even noticing. Children do not notice because music is fun. It is a way of life. It is expresses their taste, and is an outlet and for some the only support they have. It makes them feel good about themselves. That is something that educators and budget planners can not cut out. It is the enjoyment and the laughter it brings to children that makes learning fun for them. Music Education is a part of the core curriculum and should never be removed before any math or reading class. It is educations ultimate curer, all in one.

Works CitedHarris , W, Mickela, T, & Rauscher, F. (2006). Music education online. Retrieved from http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/index.html

Hopkins, G. (2003, March 01). Making the case for music education. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr123.shtml