In honor of Beethoven’s birthday month, our focus has been on music ideas that you can integrate into your teaching. We end this series with a great post on points of advocacy for music education. ~EMP
Music is known for being a powerful tool; a universal language. Music connects people together regardless of personal background; a fantastic melody transcends any spoken language in forms of communication. When it comes to children, the benefits of music in education are endless. Music trains children’s brains in a specific way which leads to success in other areas of education. Here are some of the main advantages that children will receive by experiencing music within education.
Brain Development
It has been proven that the brains of children that interact with music from an early age develop quicker. The left part of the brain which deals with language and reasoning is engaged when interacting physically with music; many schools and music services employ ‘music & movement’ programs which help stimulate children’s brain through basic music skills. The way that children digest information can be aided through picking up a musical instrument at a young age.
The left side of the brain deals also with creativity. As this side of the brain is developed, children’s ability to ‘think outside of the box’ is boosted; helping them to solve problems where the answer may not be obvious – or comes from a personal response. Studies have revealed that children who partake in music & the arts achieve a higher level of SAT grade.
Children who have musical training tend to develop a higher level of emotion, granting them with an ability to look upon other cultures with empathy. Music students also deal better with stress and are known for having a high level of self-esteem.
Technology in Music Education
Children have now access to all kinds of music technology that just wasn’t available in decades gone by. Digital music making platforms such as Logic, Ableton, Cubase, and Fruityloops all give children a chance to play around with forming new sounds through digital synthesizers; and even recording and modifying their own sounds. Popular UK dance icons Chase and Status have even noticed the true potential that children have, that music technology is not being used enough in schools; resulting in investing in setting up their own school promoting music technology education. Creating a whole piece of music is an achievement for any child; music technology gives children a ‘cool’ opportunity to put their name on something and be proud of it, ultimately boosting overall confidence.
How Music can help children with disabilities
As previously stated, music helps stimulate and develop the brain of young children. So with this in mind, music training can help disabled children like no other form of education. Children with ranges of disabilities have been known to benefit from working in a musical environment; interacting with words and sounds. Children with ADHD are given musical instruments to help prolong their overall engagement with a task or person. Children who have visual problems can benefit from music education, for it not only promotes the child’s ability to hear sounds and articulation, but boosts creativity; since they are unable to process visual stimuli.
Music in a children’s education is vital. With so many positives and no negatives, it would be insanity to deprive a musical upbringing in some shape or form. Look for different ways for your children to interact with music; and the rest of their education will benefit from doing so.
Author: Thank you to Jenny B and the DV247 Fender team who produced this educational music article; technology helps the future of learning!
This information and resources are very helpful. Interaction between students and staff will benefit from more Music in our schools.
I’m so glad you think so, Katie! Does your school allow for musical interactions between staff and students?