Middle school music classes should be

illustration by | MARISSA MATHIESON

MIDDLE SCHOOLMUSIC

Music classes should be required through middle school

BRYSON LIANG

staff writer

From early childhood and throughout elementary school, Ladue students are required to take music classes. Many students enjoy these classes and look back upon them as fond memories. However, when coming to middle school, many of them decide to drop out of music classes in favor of something else. Due to all the benefits that playing music provides, music classes should be required at least through middle school. Numerous studies have shown that practicing and listening to music offers a myriad of benefits. These benefits can apply to all facets of life and help prepare students for future endeavors. A study by Jenny Silverstone, the author of research-driven blog Mom Loves Best, shows that music education improves memory, teamwork, problem solving, hand-eye coordination and powerful study habits.

Additionally, according to College Board, music students often have high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. Outside of music’s impact on academic achievement, music education correlates with success in other fields.

Many high achievers have said that music opened up pathways to creative thinking. For example, in an interview with the New York Times, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, revealed how music was a safe space for him after marathon days of programming. Furthermore, Allen stated that music helped him channel a creative impulse that allowed him to view things through a different perspective. Music can also serve as a method of therapy. In today’s world, students have lots of pressure to succeed and do well in school. This pressure for good grades can increase stress and anxiety in students, leading to poor physical, social and emotional health. According to Rick Nauert, the Associate News Editor of PsychCentral, playing music can serve as an oasis that soothes anxiety and reduces pain, as researchers have found that music activates sensory pathways that takes focus away from anxiety. Despite the benefits of music, some students drop music classes because they dislike practicing. However, although practice may feel like a chore, the consistency and perseverance that it instills far outweighs the momentary feeling of boredom. Even though a music education has many positive impacts on students’ growth and development, it is often viewed as unnecessary and therefore not required in a student’s curriculum. Thus, because it is treated as unimportant, students often decide to drop the class. If music were to be required through middle school, students and parents alike would realize its significance and pursue it more seriously. The requirement of music classes through middle school will consequently lead students to not only grow and mature as people, but also have fun. When a student hits the correct note or gets a complicated rhythm down, the joy is indescribable. Requiring Ladue students to attend music classes through middle school boosts their chance for a bright future and instills lifelong habits critial to success. p