April 6, 2015 Top Reasons Our Public Schools Should Emphasize Music Education
Image Source: blogs.longwood.edu/believeinmusic/
People tend to regard music rather like an exotic spice added to food. While exotic spices make food wonderfully flavorful, they are expensive and may not add nutritional value. When education funds become less available, one of the first programs that many schools cut are music programs. However, there are several neurological studies that show that music does indeed add the equivalent of nutritional value to the brain.
Music and Intelligence
Another study published in a 2004 issue of Pychological Science was conducted with three groups of children. All participants in the study underwent IQ testing before and after the study. One group was given nine months of weekly voice and piano lessons. A second group received weekly drama lessons. The third group received no extra exposure to the arts.
The results of the study showed that the IQs of the group of children who had received musical instruction increased an average of three points, while the IQs of the other groups remained the same. This study revealed that musical instruction has a greater impact on brain development than exposure to other arts. With degrees like an online master’s in music education, teachers can be a part of not just an ancillary learning sector, but a vital one.
Music and Brain Development
In one 15 month study, two groups of children underwent MRI brain scans. One group then received instruction in playing a musical instrument, while the other received no musical instruction. 15 months later, the two groups underwent another scan. The brains of the group that received musical instruction showed more developmental activity in certain areas of the brain.
You can see the differences in the brains of those who received musical training and those who didn’t. One area of the brain that showed greater activity as a result of the musical training was the corpus callosum, which enables communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum is also a region that is instrumental in problem-solving.
Music and Academic Success
Based on the findings of these studies, every student at the Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston receives musical instruction. Diana Lam, the head of the school, insists that “Music addresses some of the behaviors and skills that are necessary for academic success,” and she believes that the music program, in combination with project-based learning, is responsible for the dramatic increase in the students’ overall test scores since it was implemented.
These are all compelling reasons for schools to expand, rather than cut, their musical programs.
A professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
People tend to regard music rather like an exotic spice added to food. While exotic spices make food wonderfully flavorful, they are expensive and may not add nutritional value. When education funds become less available, one of the first programs that many schools cut are music programs. However, there are several neurological studies that show that music does indeed add the equivalent of nutritional value to the brain.
Music and Intelligence
Another study published in a 2004 issue of Pychological Science was conducted with three groups of children. All participants in the study underwent IQ testing before and after the study. One group was given nine months of weekly voice and piano lessons. A second group received weekly drama lessons. The third group received no extra exposure to the arts.
The results of the study showed that the IQs of the group of children who had received musical instruction increased an average of three points, while the IQs of the other groups remained the same. This study revealed that musical instruction has a greater impact on brain development than exposure to other arts. With degrees like an online master’s in music education, teachers can be a part of not just an ancillary learning sector, but a vital one.
Music and Brain Development
In one 15 month study, two groups of children underwent MRI brain scans. One group then received instruction in playing a musical instrument, while the other received no musical instruction. 15 months later, the two groups underwent another scan. The brains of the group that received musical instruction showed more developmental activity in certain areas of the brain.
You can see the differences in the brains of those who received musical training and those who didn’t. One area of the brain that showed greater activity as a result of the musical training was the corpus callosum, which enables communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum is also a region that is instrumental in problem-solving.
Music and Academic Success
Based on the findings of these studies, every student at the Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston receives musical instruction. Diana Lam, the head of the school, insists that “Music addresses some of the behaviors and skills that are necessary for academic success,” and she believes that the music program, in combination with project-based learning, is responsible for the dramatic increase in the students’ overall test scores since it was implemented.
These are all compelling reasons for schools to expand, rather than cut, their musical programs.
A professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
Reader Comments (6)
Music is also fun and can be performed and played over a lifetime. Amen.
Couldn't agree more Anica. Check out my Change.org petition that seeks to change the law and increase funding for private charitable organizations supporting music and the arts in schools. https://www.change.org/p/barack-obama-copyright-office-soundexchange-donate-unclaimed-music-royalties-to-private-charitable-organizations-supporting-music-and-the-arts-in-schools
Add Music and Character
I personally like music, I am a composer myself, and I have decided to teach my kids music as they grow up. It has a really good effect on their mind, they become creative and it is the only easy way to reach to a peace station of mind!
Really nice article, thumbs up!
Lamentably, American culture does NOT emphasize or stress education! Education is accessible to all by law, but since of its accessibility, most American children underestimate training! Truth be told, more and more American children simply need to buy essays the speediest path conceivable WITHOUT earning it!
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