Why Music? The Many Benefits of Musical Education

The Many Benefits of WHY MUSIC? O Nusical Eduwcation With school funding shortages leading to cuts across the board, music education programs may fall by the wayside. However, because music learning yields so many benefits to students, these programs are far too valuable to lose. Benefits to the Brain and General Learning Skills Music learning involves active engagement and discipline, resulting in far-reaching benefits to the brain that may. include: LO Improved reading skills A better vocabulary A Stronger neural activation in native language 90% of preschool children studied showed increased verbal intelligence after just 20 days of musical training Other verbal benefits observed: ENHANCED FINE Increased ability to incorporate the sound patterns of a new language into words – especially helpful for students for whom English is a second language MOTOR SKILLS Better and more focused listening skills, including the ability to pick out the most important auditory signals Better auditory memory and attention Better preparation for learning math and abstract thinking skills Musical training develops the part of the brain associated with sensory Music strengthens the same part of the brain used for complex math skills and motor function Superior working and long-term memory: One study found that students who had received formal musical instruction greatly outperformed their peers in basic algebra May enable students to better write, use a computer, and interact with their learning environment 3 Benefits to Academic Achievement All the benepits of the neural workout and discipline prom musical training may translate into real, positive results in schoolwork. Music training may improve listening ability, and allow children to more effectively filter out noise in a loud classroom 6 This becomes especially helpful for students with learning disorders, who may be more distracted by background noise wwww www wwm In 2007, elementary school students in 22% higher in English 20% higher in math than students in deficient music programs top-quality music programs scored In 2010, students who took of arts and music 4 MUSIC AND ARTS EDUCATION years CAN BE ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL classes in TO LOW-INCOME STUDENTS." high school Scored 102 points higher on their SATS* The NEA found that compared to those with low arts education, low-income students with high amounts of arts education: Scored higher in writing and science Were more likely to participate in extracurricular activities Were more likely to enroll in a moderately or highly selective 4-year college Had a higher GPA Were 5X A41 less likely to drop out of high school Were 3X AA more likely to earn a bachelor's degree This points to arts and music education as a way to help close the achievement gap Benefits to Life Skills and Personal Enrichment Arts-engaged low-income students were more likely than those without arts engagement to have: " Aside from the scholastic benefits, musical training can benefit children in other important ways, such as: " 11 Attended and done well in college Y Increased self-esteem Obtained employment with future growith O Better attentiveness and perseverance Participated in the political process by voting More enjoyment and creativity Volunteered in their communities Better study habits AND OF COURSE, MUSIC EDUCATION IS BENEFICIAL IN ITS OWN RIGHT! MUSIC: Can be a lifelong passion, leading to on-going personal enrichment and satisfaction 15 Is a unique form of cultural and personal expression, existing in every world culture 12 Provides an outlet for creative Sensitizes students to the thinking and expression 14 aesthetic beauty of the world 13 Is a unique form of intelligence, creating the capacity to think in musical terms, hear and recognize patterns, and perhaps manipulate them 16 Music is a way that students can experience (as cellist and conductor Pablo Casals said) the “incredible marvel" of being a human! " And it is Possible! Although arts programming is often on the chopping block due to budget restrictions, it doesn't have to be – many organigations are calling for increased arts integration in schools. In 2010, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (representing over In 2011, The President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities released Reinvesting in Arts Education, calling for the creation of "arts-rich" schools 19 Music doesn't have to break the bank – NAMM found that the annual cost for comprehensive K-12 music education is only $187 1.200 cities nationwide) urged school districts to commit to per student 18 arts education 19 = $100 = $25 Music Makes a Difference in Students' Lives WHY MUSIC? Because students deserve the advantages, PROFESSIONAL MUSIC EDUCATORS ARE CRUCIAL TO creativity, and THE MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES engagement AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS that music brings, and it can help shape lives for the better. The University of Florida's online Master of Music in Music Education degree program provides active music teachers advanced opportunities for creative and professional development. SOURCES 1- htp://www.psmag.com/education/music-training-enhances-childrens-verbalintelligence-36701/ 2- http://www.soc.northwestern.edu/brainvolts/documents/KrausChandrasekeran_NRN10.pdf 3- http://www.aep-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Music-Matters-Final.pdf 4- http://www.psmag.com/news/middle-school-music-lessons-enhance-algebra-skills-17009/ 5- http://www.aep-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Music-Matters-Final.pdf 6 - http://www.soc.northwesterm.edu/brainvolts/documents/KrausChandrasekeran_NRN10.pdf 7- http://musiced.nafme.org/files/2012/04/benefits_of_music.pdf 8 - http://www.americansforthearts.org/pdf/get_involved/odvocacy/research/2011/sat_artsed11.pdf 18 - http://www.takepart.com/artidle/2012/08/30/music-education-why-does-not-haveexpensive-why-should-stay-schools 9 - http://www.nea.gov/research/arts-at-risk-youth.pdf 10 - http://www.oep-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Music-Matters-Final.pdff 11 - http://www.nea.gov/research/arts-at-risk-youth.pdf 12 - http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200008/music-the-mind 13 - http://www.questia.com/library/music-and-performing-arts/music/music-aesthetics 14 - http://www.peterrwebster.com/pubs/WillinghamBook. pdf 15 - http://www.effectivemusicteaching.com/articles/directors/18-benefits-of-playing-amusical-instrument/ 16 - http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/education/ed_mi_overview.html 17 - http://musiced.nafme.org/files/2012/04/benefits_of_music.pdf 19 - http://www.pcah.gov/sites/default/files/PCAH_Reinvesting_4web_0.pdf UNIVERSITY of UF FLORIDA illull