By BRIANNA GUAETTA
Windber
As a student who is involved in the music and performing arts field, I believe that music plays an important role in education and development. There have been multiple studies and surveys showing that 16 percent of students who participate in music programs achieve a 4.0 GPA, and only 5 percent of non-music students achieved a 4.0 GPA. Music students are taught how to balance an academic workload along with learning to play a musical instrument.
In addition, students who are involved in music programs within their school are said to possess qualities that make them more eligible for an occupation. Music assists students in their writing, communication and analytic skills. The skills of learning to play an instrument also aid students in their reading, listening, memory, creative and concentration techniques.
Music also plays a role in the development of students at any age. In an orchestra, for example, students are taught the skills to work together and to bond together to reach a goal. When students are taught to play music at a young age, they are growing up using skills that will help them in their school career. In mathematics, these students use their musical skills to help them solve formulas and complete multiplication tables.
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It is also proven that musical practice helps improve the areas of the brain involving coordination, concentration and memory. All in all, many studies have proven that the involvement of students in music throughout their school career helps develop the intellect needed to succeed at the highest level.
By LAUREL BURK
SCTC
Many studies have been conducted to determine whether music really does help the learning and development of children and adults. I feel strongly about having people involved in music at a young age to aid in the learning process because, like many others, I believe we are more successful when exposed to music early in life.
Upon researching the subject, these are just a few of the facts I have discovered: preschoolers with keyboard training were more successful in math than those with computer training. Also, college students with music experience before the age of 12 can remember significantly more words from a list opposed to others that haven’t had as much musical experience.
And in addition to that, students with daily music training for 7 years received higher grades than those who went without training. So, as you can see, music is an important part of both the learning and development of everyone.
By VERONICA SHERIFF
Shanksville
Worldwide, there are hundreds of spoken languages, with the most popular being Chinese, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic. Sign Language and Braille are also two languages popularly found around the world. Language comes in a multitude of styles, however, there is one language many forget to acknowledge: music.
The definition of a language according to Merriam-Webster is “The system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other.”
Music is all about expressing oneself or a group as a whole. Music in schools teaches students how to express themselves in a positive, creative way. Another reason why music plays a role in education, besides being another language, is that it stimulates brain activity.
It is proven that students involved with either band or choir tend to do better in their academic studies. I feel that music plays a big role in development because it teaches people that it is OK to be expressive, and through the expression of music, one can create something beautiful.
By HALEY BEAHR
Rockwood
Almost everybody has heard about how listening to certain music while pregnant helps your babies develop in positive ways. This technique seems to work from early childhood into adulthood. It is a proper fact; music helps people learn. Learning through music is an activity that decreases throughout one’s school experience.
Ever since kindergarten, young kids have been taught everyday occurrences through music — for example, the alphabet or the birthday song. However, around fifth or sixth grade, students are no longer taught in this manner. In my opinion, learning through music is a more effective way for students to memorize things. Yes, even as a junior, I solemnly believe memorizing something with a catchy tune is a whole lot easier than memorizing an ordered list.
Vocabulary words in foreign language classes would be a cinch to learn by heart, were the students shown a memorable way to remember the definitions. The role of music in both early child development and education is the same — it is used to help the person learn and experience things in a different light.
By ABBY COVER
Conemaugh Township
Music is an art. This art is an incredible way to express yourself, which some people take advantage of more than others. Studies have shown that children who participate in a musical program or play an instrument test better than those who have not been exposed to music at a young age.
While music has been proven to increase test scores, it also gives children a sense of individuality and confidence in themselves. Some children cannot express themselves socially, so music can be used to give themselves a voice in our engrossed society. Overall, music plays a great role in education and development in more ways than one.
By SCOUT BEST
Homeschool
Renowned musician Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” As it turns out, Joel’s statement is backed up by substantial support.
Music in education can have innumerable benefits. According to a study conducted by University of Toronto scientists, music lessons even helped boost the IQ of 1st graders. Now there is something to make a joyful noise about. Additionally, after exposure to music, student’s test scores were significantly higher – up to almost 25 percent.
Education is not the only area that exposure to music influences. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to music are more emotionally developed, successful in society and self confident. The results are clear. Music scales up children’s education and social development. Play on.
By MELISSA WHETSELL
Turkeyfoot
I think music plays a huge role in education and development. I know that kids in our school love to listen to music. Many of the kids listen to music while doing their online work. For some kids I think it is a great way for them to stay focused. Sometimes, what other kids are talking about distracts the kids that are doing their work.
I do not think that music is for all kids in school. I think it is for the kids that need to stay focused and this is one way to do so. I also think that music class would be a great class for kids to be in. Music class can teach us a lot of things. I think it can really affect our memory.
We listen to so many songs a day and memorize so many words. If we sat down and thought about it, think of how many words we memorize for each song. Then thing about how many songs you know. I love music and I think it plays a great role in education.
By OLIVIA STRAKA
Somerset
For students of all ages, music plays an integral role in education and development. The ancient Greeks created the idea of liberal arts colleges so that students would build intellect on a wider variety of subjects, rather than being knowledgeable in only one or two topics. Music is a subject different from core classes like English or mathematics commonly taken in school.
Music education helps students broaden their appreciation for the work put in to non-core related occupations and encourages students to develop a sense of creativity in all aspects of life. In addition, music helps students develop a sense of individuality by deciding what they do and do not like in all genres and types of music.
Listening to, performing, or composing music combats the stress core subjects and standardized tests put on students throughout their academic careers and instills a well-rounded education. Music aids in the development of students 10 fold, and is a necessity in the educational process.
By HATTIE LUSTER
Meyersdale
Low budgets and tight wallets are hitting our nation hard. Even schools are feeling the pressure. Unfortunately, this stress is forcing many schools to make cuts to the extra curricular activities they are able to offer. Regrettably, one of the programs many institutions are choosing to eliminate is the music program.
Fewer and fewer schools are able to offer courses such as band or chorus due to lack of funding and support from school boards. The funding the schools do have is going toward other activities and programs, often the sports teams.
Many schools are unaware of the importance and impact music has on students. Music is responsible for a great deal of emotional development in children and teenagers. Students who play instruments are also often more coordinated than those who do not participate in band. By eliminating music programs, schools rob their students of innumerable opportunities that may lead to great accomplishments and immeasurable success.
Music programs give many students a reason to go to school. Often times, music is a release for teenagers. Music is one of the few ways schools still allow their students to express themselves. I know that if my school eliminated its music program, students would fight back in every way possible. Grades and student participation would plummet and the students would generally be disgruntled.
Few people realize how heavily music programs impact students and schools. Music is essential to educational and emotional development. Without it, school becomes a bland institution, devoid of any self expression or joy.
By PHILLIP WALTER
Berlin Brothersvalley
Every day at school, it’s the usual grind. I go from class to class every day, and it eventually becomes a monotonous blur. That is, until the final period of the day, when I have band and choir scheduled. I always look forward to these periods of the day because they’re different than any other class I have. These classes teach me to think independently, to work as part of a team, and to have fun while doing it.
In band, I’m a percussionist, often times playing a part in a song that nobody else has, meaning that I have to be more confident than the others to have my part heard. While knowing your part individually from the rest of the band is well and good, it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t work as part of the band to make it sound perfect.
It’s the same in choir. Each voice part is different, but when they’re brought together, it’s glorious. I can never understand why schools shut down their music programs. Sure, they don’t have as many direct practical applications in any one field, but the overarching lessons and skills that they teach can’t be taught in any other class.
By LINDSAY WALKER
North Star
Statistically, it has been proven that students who are exposed to and take part in music are more successful in the subject of mathematics. But more than that, music is key in memory and emotional well-being. Music provides a comfort to many and even affects one’s emotions and mood. Several areas of the brain are activated when listening to music and even more are activated and used when playing music.
From a more emotional standpoint, music also provides somewhat of an escape for many students. Whether it is playing music in band, or just listening to music in general, it can be seen as an activity that requires one’s full focus, distracting them from what may be unpleasant circ*mstances around them.
From personal experience, early introduction to music also provides a sense of discipline and responsibility in the individual through weekly lessons and the need to practice. These, among other things, carry the learned responsibility far into one’s education, and help them grow as a person.
By LINDSAY DOYLE
Salisbury
Music tends to play a huge role in many of our lives. We oftentimes listen to it while going through or morning routines, driving to work, finishing homework or just reflecting on the day. Whenever it is that we listen to music, we often feel a strong connection to the music that we choose to listen to.
For this very reason, music tends plays a part in our education and development. It allows us to make connections with different lessons and concepts that we may otherwise not feel as powerful a connection toward. Because of this effect that music has on people, it also allows us to express ourselves which will ultimately aid in various ways to develop us and our characters overall.
Different people connect with music in unique ways. Whatever way it is that we connect with music, it will ultimately allow us to express our feelings and thoughts which helps us in our overall development as people. This also helps us in the area of education by allowing us to think more creatively. Music will always affect our lives in many ways and it will continue to play roles in different parts of our lives including our education.
