Generally, students in public schools in the US have the choice to take a variety of electives. Some school districts have to remove these electives due to budget cuts. Some people think it is a reasonable choice, others think that it is not. Is it worth taking out music education in schools? Let’s find out:
The Science Behind it
When you recognize a note and the way it sounds, you’re strengthening your reading comprehension and language capabilities. How so? According to some studies, there is an area in our brain that controls both our language and ability to play music. Scientists have found that this aspect shares the ability to recognize repetition, tone, and enunciation. This can also lead to larger vocabulary and reading skills.
According to Cambridge Brain-Sciences, there are various benefits to playing music.
Let’s say you have chosen to take band as an elective. You have a concert coming up, and you have two options: memorize the entire piece or look both at the music sheet and conductor. They both have their benefits.
When you memorize the piece and play it multiple times, your brain starts to familiarize itself with this habit. This means that you will have the ability to play the song without having to rely on music sheets.
On the other hand, you could rely on both the conductor and sheet music without having to memorize the piece. This will highly increase your hand-eye coordination skills. While this is a very important trait to have in a band, it also benefits your everyday life for things such as driving, cleaning, and cooking.
Social Benefits
If you are in a school band (or an ensemble), then you know what it means to work as a team. In order for a band to sound great, all instruments have to be in sync. This only happens, when each musician is aware of their peers through the right notes, rhythms, and dynamics. This is one of the many social benefits music education can have on you.
Most of the time, you will be with lots of different people who may, or may not play the same instrument as you. You will be spending a lot of time with them during rehearsals, concerts, and other activities. You will have the ability to bond with like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to create long-lasting relationships. Additionally, you will have the chance to be exposed to different personalities and cultures.
Personal Skills
There are many different skills you can gain from music education. But there are only a few that can help you personally.
Some of these skills contain discipline, creativity, patience, perseverance, time-management, and more. As mentioned before, being part of the music community can help you become a humble, well-rounded person.
Patience is key in order to succeed as a musician. Having the ability to practice and master your craft is a virtue that not everyone is able to conquer. Between scales, complex songs, time management, different types of environments, and other things, patience will be the key to your success.
Music will also give a person the necessary discipline to succeed in other areas of life. Consistency, a good attitude, and focus are key elements to achieve the illusion of discipline.
So, do you think that music education is important? Well, that’s for you to decide. Removing music education from schools would leave a substantial hole in our society. Music is not only important for education purposes but it also provides individuals with the necessary tool to become a better person.
Cover photo by Arseny Togulev on Unsplash
