Why Music Should be a Necessary Part of School

Music education is important in our schools.  And yet, it seems these days, it is being offered less and less in many school systems. Unfortunately, many schools have begun to exclude music from their curriculums to make room for other subjects.

Music is an extremely important subject for all children to learn and can lead to better brain development, increases in human connection, and even stress relief. As music is removed from schools, children will no longer receive these benefits unless they enrol in private lessons, which is much too expensive for some families to afford.

The necessity to include music education as a compulsory part of a school’s curriculum has long been a fiercely debated subject. While most school administrators are open to the idea of music being taught as an extracurricular activity, there are very few who think of music as a necessary curricular subject. This is basically because school education has always been perceived as the study of the three R’s-Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, along with History and Science. But recent research in this area has proved that schools that include weekly music instrument lessons, choir rehearsals, voice training, or general music classes help their students reap a wide range of benefits in different areas, from improving learning to building self-esteem. 

Music Benefits Children of all Ages

Young children aren’t just comforted by music, they pick up on the tones and unknowingly recognise different frequencies and melodies, too. By the time they are toddlers, they’ve instinctively developed the ability to identify tunes (tone, rhythm and melody). And this goes hand-in-hand with their language ability and development.

Primary school children are enthused by sing-along songs that involve counting, spelling or sequences of events. It is a perfect way to integrate learning skills with an enjoyable, fun experience. How often do you sing along to the alphabet, even in adulthood!

Academic Benefits

Students of music are constantly using their memory to perform. It teaches them to analyze, adjust and adapt from memory. The ability to memorize runs through all of the academic strata and will benefit students in education and beyond.

Academic achievement improves. The processes needed to read music and master an instrument demand skill and craftsmanship: students gradually learn to want to create good work instead of mediocre work. It encourages them to always take one step further; for instance learning multiple instruments or being able to read a range of complex sheet music. Once experienced, this will run through into all areas of life.

Music education heightens and stimulates academic performance, logic, and coordination. And learning to play an instrument takes all of this into a higher realm.

Cultural Benefits

In today’s globalized society, it has become imperative that educators instill a multicultural awareness into the upcoming generation. In an effectively structured curriculum, a cross-subject will deliver content via not only the arts but the sciences and technology too. 

Music provides an accompanying backdrop to the cultures of different nations, providing an insight into the history, lifestyles and expectations of their peoples, seen via musical style and the content of their traditional and modern songs. Even within the same nation, there are regional variations in language and dialect which reflect historical and ethnic development. Music acts as a sounding block for ideas and experiences within the classroom. Children who have come from the same country but live within different communities may have different views or ideas about a particular song or piece of music. By discussing these ideas and differences they are continuously developing their knowledge. An introduction to all these elements, within a national and international context, particularly at an early age, helps to break social barriers and develop empathy.

Social, Emotional and Life Benefits

Music brings so many positives to a child's education. Music is something that takes on so many forms, and it is important to ensure children experience it throughout their education. 

Music helps us heal: it’s a recognised therapy in the treatment of a number of conditions and illnesses. So often a piece of music is our escape. It takes us away from the present and allows us to relax and heal. 

Self-confidence develops. Performing to an audience is intimidating and being able to overcome this builds pride and a sense of accomplishment. This is reinforced by approval from peers, parents and teachers. Making it a positive experience, even if something may not go to plan, allows children to build their self-worth and carry this with them throughout their lives.

Creative thinking. The ability to create and compose is part and parcel of music education. Students of the arts can more readily think laterally and recognise that there may be several solutions to a problem. It teaches them to integrate their ideas together and come to a solution.

Teamwork. Being a part of a band or orchestra teaches everyone how to work together within a structured situation where everyone is a valued individual. They may only play what feels like a small part in a concert, but when it all comes together the realization that everyone is key embeds the importance of working as a team. It teaches them to support each other at all times for maximum harmony.   Shared achievement takes on a new meaning.