Music and Education—A Winning Performance
By Caroline Wyman
Have you ever had a bad day at school? At the end of that day, did you hop in your car and turn on the radio or play your favorite CD? Suddenly, your stress started to subside. Why did that happen?
It's been said that "music hath charms to soothe the savage breast".1 Listening to music is a wonderful way to refresh the soul. It can let you escape into your own private world. Music can be comforting, soothing, and relaxing. It can give your mind a rest. It also can allow your mind to develop in many different ways.
The results of several studies show the relationship between music and academic achievement.2 Specifically, these studies show that there is a positive correlation between time spent in the classroom with the arts-especially music-and academic excellence. Children who attend schools that support music programs and emphasize the arts tend to achieve better academic growth and generally excel in school relative to children who attend schools where the arts are not supported. Even Aristotle understood the importance of music: "Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young."3
What makes music such an important part of a child's education?
- Music reaches all types of learners. It can uncover a child's hidden talents and strengths.
- Learning to play an instrument is a skill brought to mastery by discipline and determination, both of which can help a child in all areas of life.
- Music is all around us. Being able to understand its history, its performers, and composers, and appreciating the melody and tones can give a child an advantage. Who knows when you'll attend an event where you can demonstrate your talent!
- Playing a musical instrument can help relieve stress.
- Studies show that children who play a musical instrument-or who are exposed to music early-do much better in school than those who do not.3
What if a child is not a good candidate for music lessons? That's fine. Even the simpler task of memorizing a song can be beneficial. Listening to music or learning a song affects a child's body and mind. This fusion of the senses is a critical step in his or her ability to learn the basic skills of math, reading and writing.4
Some students find it easier to memorize information via a melody rather than by rote memory. So learning a song that teaches the state capitals, the presidents' names, and even a mathematical algorithm can be a great tool to help students who may face academic challenges. And as a good teacher, you are always looking for the right approach to help students learn in their own, individual way.
We all have been exposed to music since we listened to our mother's heartbeat in the womb. As toddlers, we danced and sang to simple songs. Today, we listen to music on the radio, iPods, computers, cell phones, and television. Music is everywhere. And we've seen the grasp that music has on our lives with the success of shows like American Idol® and even Dancing With The Stars. Music is powerful.
Why not make music a part of your classroom and see where it takes you and your students? You may discover that a little melody can go a long way to help reach those who may have different learning styles, or can just make learning more fun. Who knows, one of your students might become the next American Idol-or Aristotle!
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.
Reference websites
- www.bartleby.com/
- musiced.about.com
- thinkexist.com
- childparenting.about.com