The Importance of Music Education

For decades, music was an important part of the school day for each and every child in America. Nearly every classroom in the nation’s elementary schools had a piano and most teachers were able to play simple songs so that the students could sing along to their favorites. Learning particular songs that everyone knows is still important.

Music and Its Affect on Children

• Children who are fortunate enough to be exposed to weekly music lessons, choir rehearsals, or general music classes reap many benefits.  Music is an obvious outlet for self-expression and creativity.
• Playing in band or singing in chorus for example, develops self-discipline. The child who allots time for practicing each day is known to develop similar habits in conjunction with other subjects as well. Organizational skills increase and the child learns what it takes to be “good” at something. 
• Ensemble experience also builds teamwork. Band members or chorus students learn the importance of being a reliable member of a group and are educated as to the importance of being a team player and not necessarily always “the star.”
• Participation in music ensembles also promotes responsibility. Scientists have also discovered that learning to read music or play a musical instrument develops higher thinking skills.
• The child who is skilled at music excels at problem-solving, evaluation, and analysis. Music reading uses the same portion of the brain that’s used in mathematical thinking. That’s why so many adept musicians are also quite good in math. So why wouldn’t you sing in the chorus or play in the band?!
• For those who don’t excel academically, however, music can serve to build self-esteem. For some children, music is their one chance to shine in the middle of a day that’s filled with academic subjects that fry their brain. Singing the solo at the annual holiday concert may provide one particular child with the only kudos they receive all year long. That’s why school music programs are so important.
• These are just some of the reasons why I support our kids in band and chorus, and why Miss Healy and Miss Polling and Mr. Morton are simply as important to our kids as any of our instructors are.