They say that music is food for the soul, but what they don’t tell you is that music has a number of intrinsic benefits when taught to young people. Musicians and music fans have always advocated the need for music and instruments training. And, a number of recent studies have revealed that music can actually impact a child’s life by:
- Enhancing fine motor skills
- Improving memory
- Cultivating better decision-making skills
Here’s a list of 10 real-life statistics that reinforce the need for music education:
- Students majoring in music are more than likely to get admission to medical school
In Lewis Thomas’s Case for Music in the Schools, Phi Delta Kappa, 1994, he stated that graduate students that majored in music were the most likely group of individuals to get into medical school.Lewis Thomas is a physician & biologist that studied the undergrads of medical school applicants and found that 66% of all music majors who applied to med school were accepted into med school.
- Music-inclined students scored higher than those with no participation
A 2001 study conducted by The College Entrance Examination Board revealed that students participating in music learning scored 63 points more on verbal tests and 44 points more in math tests, compared to students who didn’t participate in any arts. The study also revealed a higher percentage of SAT test scores among students that participated in music performances.
- Music students have higher GPAs than non-musical counterparts
The National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 revealed data that high school students of music held higher grade point averages (GPA) than those that didn’t partake in music lessons. The study provided deep insights into the transitions of music-inclined students, into those that excelled at all subjects. The data for this study was collected from a number of primary & secondary sources, was subject to a total of four follow-ups.
- Americans feel that picking up musical instrument training helps kids do better in all other aspects
A 2003 Gallup Poll titled, “American Attitudes toward Music,” revealed that over 78% of American citizens felt that students fared batter in all other academics if they were learning to play an instrument. The general purpose of the study was to analyze the public perception of playing instruments in the United States. The study also revealed a growing appreciation for music, with instrument sales being at their highest ever.
- Students are more socially accepting when they’re exposed to music
With music as a part of the curriculum, students are able to socialize well- fewer fights, greater camaraderie, less racism, and restraint from hurtful sarcasm.
In his 2001 book, Arts with the Brain in Mind, Eric Jensen claimed that music students developed a better sense of camaraderie with their fellow students. He also stated that those engaged in music were less likely to engage in racism or harmful sarcasm. He goes on to state that music helps students build a sense of teamwork and social acceptance than any other activity.
- Music activates neural firing and promotes better memory skills
In another section of his book, Arts with the Brain in Mind, Eric Jensen stated that music helps people think. He says that that music activates and synchronizes a unique neural firing pattern that opens up that brain to connect with multiple sites. This high-level neural synchrony is said to not only increase brain function but is said to build superior memory as well.
- Silicon Valley is full of musicians
In Dee Dickinson’s 1993 publication, Music and the Mind, he states that the most prolific and successful technical designers and software engineers in Silicon Valley are musically inclined. While such a claim couldn’t really have been verified at the time, it is clear in the present day that those with exposure to art have the potential to become more successful.
- Music enhances wholesome learning
There has always been the question about the effects of music on cognitive behavior. But as stated in the 2000 book, Empathy, Arts, and Social Studies, by Konrad, R.R, music is nourishment for the entire system, including the brain, motors functions, and emotions, all of which are the driving forces behind learning of any kind.
- Musically Inclined Students Score Well at Mathematics
In a 1999 publication by James Catterall, John Iwanaga, and Richard Chapleau, titled “Involvement in the Arts and Human Development”, the authors made a reference to official data. According to the American department of education, students with high levels of musical participation have a tendency to show a higher proficiency in the subject of mathematics, by grade 12. This data was relevant to everyone, with students from low-income families as a subgroup.
America, in particular, is not producing enough people who understand math well which is one reason America is not competing well in certain industries. America needs more engineers, mathematicians, and technology experts and the big companies in Silicon Valley are saying this all the time.
- Music promotes greater student-teacher cooperation
In another part of the 2000 publication by Konrad, R.R., Empathy, Arts, and Social Studies, the author explained how studies have revealed data that students who are engaged in arts & music tend to show more respect for their teacher & peers. This means that the students show fewer signs of anti-social behavior, and are more cooperative, confident, and interactive in the classroom.
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Fortunately, there is such an activity. Unfortunately, many schools will not make it a part of their curriculum, due to issues of funding and scheduling. This activity is something that everyone is aware of, but not everyone has a chance to participate in. This activity is music. Via The Humanist
Study: High School Music Classes Improve Language Skills
A tiny study of 40 high school students in Chicago perked up some ears recently. It found that a small amount of musical instrument instruction – only two to three hours of band class a week – improved how the teenage brain processed sound. Neuroscientists from Northwestern University made the case that the kind of brain maturation they documented was not only important for becoming a better musician, but also for developing non-musical verbal skills. Via US News
THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC CLASSES
If you’re on the fence about adding music classes to your child’s schedule, take note of the benefits that come with signing your little one up for violin or piano lessons:
-It develops physical skills.
-It cultivates social skills.
-It refines discipline and patience.
-It boosts self-esteem.
-It introduces children to other cultures.
