Expert Contributor
Yes to Music Education By Peggy Arman, The Dorris-Eaton School
Y
ou want to provide a wide variety of experiences for your children, but with their busy schedules and so many activities to choose from, which meaningful, worthwhile opportunities do you select? Seriously consider music lessons. There are so many benefits to music instruction that go beyond the sheer pleasure of creating music. The array of instruments to choose from means there is a match for almost every personality type. Although the expectation may not be to become the next Bono or Beethoven, with music education your children may discover that math and reading come more easily, that they are better at working with and understanding others, and that they become more self-disciplined. Singing and playing music requires memorizing melodies and lyrics, which helps with the development of short- and long-term memory. When students understand rhythm and beat, budding musicians are actually learning pattern recognition, how to divide, and how to create fractions. Exploring string and wind instruments also teaches children about physics: sound waves and harmonic vibrations. Studying music leads to lasting changes in the brain.
ensembles, saying yes to music education may possibly ensure your child a spot in the high school or university of choice.
Whether they are performing with musical instruments, in a choir, in a large or small group, musicians learn to listen to one another to harmonize, synchronize, and produce a pleasing sound. They know the importance of their role in the group as well as how they fit into the larger ensemble. Musicians work together to become a team. Collaborating to generate music improves their ability to listen. Music students hear the tone and emotions when someone speaks, which is important to understanding the person’s meaning and developing empathy. Since music increases interaction and cooperation, it helps children feel like they belong. Another valuable by-product of playing an instrument is developing perseverance, discipline, and patience. It takes hours of practice to sound like a “real musician.� Your children will begin with the basics of how to hold the instrument, play initial chords and notes, practice scales to warm up, and put them all together until they get it right. Initially your ears will take a beating, but when your musicians take the feedback from music teachers and put the suggestions into action, you and they will see results. Being receptive to pointers and following up with focused practice is an important skill which can be transferred to other parts of life. Yes, there are only so many hours in the day. Yes, children have busy schedules. Yes, there are multiple extra-curricular opportunities out there. But in addition to developing friendships through participation in bands, symphonies, orchestras, and
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