Why is Music Education Important?
Music education is more than just learning how to play an instrument or sing in tune. It provides a channel for self-expression, an opportunity to learn discipline and teamwork, and boosts confidence. We know the subjects taught in the traditional classroom provide a solid foundation for life, but music education strengthens and enhances that foundation and gives kids the opportunity to practice valuable skills, such as collaboration and problem solving.
Additionally, music education provides an outlet for students to develop their emotional intelligence and build self-confidence. These skills that go along with learning to play an instrument transfer to other aspects of a student’s education, such as enhancing their understanding of subjects like mathematics and language arts.
Music education with Bach to Rock offers endless possibilities for students, whether they’d like to learn how to play a specific instrument or get into songwriting or beat-making.
What are the benefits of music lessons?
The benefits of music lessons or other music education programs are especially evident in early childhood. Studies have shown that early exposure to music can improve a child’s cognitive development, hand-eye coordination, as well as social skills.
Here are some of the benefits of learning an instrument, and why music education is so important.
Music helps build teamwork and social skills.
When kids get together either in a group class or play in an ensemble, such as band or glee club, they’re practicing important social skills such as cooperation and respect. They have a shared goal of making their songs and music sound great. To accomplish their goal, they need to work together as a team.
Each student musician learns how to read cues from each other and communicate in diverse ways besides speaking. And since each instrument is essential to the song, all members must collaborate, be patient, and rehearse diligently. Doing so helps the band unite to create the harmonies that make their songs sound spectacular.
Music helps students build confidence.
Music classes can help kids build confidence by teaching them a valuable skill that they can use to express themselves. The collaboration that occurs in a class of other students also encourages them to take risks and try new techniques when they see their peers do so, which can sharpen their critical thinking skills.
When music students have reached a point where they’re ready to begin performing in public, some interaction with the audience is required. This is where performance skills come into play! Not all musicians are natural entertainers, so it’s important to not just practice how to play their instrument, but also their stage presence and ability to engage a crowd. By starting music lessons early, kids can build their confidence over time, so performing becomes easier and so much fun!
Music can help children understand language and mathematics better.
When kids listen to music, they are hearing words and phrases strung together set to a tune. They’re often learning new words or sentences, which helps improve their understanding of phonics, vocabulary, and grammar, as well as builds their listening skills and knowledge of language overall.
Memorization of lyrics is also essential when learning an instrument or singing in a vocal group like a choir or glee club. When kids practice memorization, they’re increasing their understanding of the English language.
When kids learn to read music and understand the notes, they’re also practicing basic math concepts. The rhythm and repetition of music can help kids learn and remember patterns, which is helpful when it comes to understanding multiplication, fractions, and other math concepts.
Music supercharges creativity.
Music is the embodiment of creativity and expression and provides inspiration for many things in life. Creating music is a form of art, and helps children express themselves through sound as a medium. Creating their own melodies, writing solos, and even making personal renditions of their favorite songs are some of the ways that students can create musical art from scratch and start expressing themselves.
Learning an instrument leads to many creative possibilities. It can give students the opportunity to explore different sounds, inspire unique melodies, and create music that they can take pride in. Plus, if children pursue songwriting or beat-making, they can delve into further dimensions of their creativity.
Learning an instrument instills patience and discipline.
Become a master of an instrument doesn’t happen overnight, or even with just a few lessons. It can take years to completely know the ins and outs of instrument, depending on how much practice is involved. Since it does take time, it requires commitment and dedication to practicing and improving which teaches patience and discipline.
The best musicians are always learning new songs, performing and mastering their stage presence, and practicing as much as they can between lessons with their music teacher.
The benefits of music education translate to all aspects of life
Through music education, children can learn a lifelong talent such as how to play a specific instrument, but the benefits reach far beyond that. Music programs allow kids to express their creativity, work together in teams with their peers, make new friends, and practice patience and discipline. At the same time, they are improving upon many other soft skills that can help enhance a student’s school and home life.
If you are interested in helping your child explore their musical inclinations, Bach to Rock offers many paths based on your child’s age and interests with locations all across the United States. Programs are available for children as young as toddlers, to kids who are ready to learn reading music and playing in a band, or even teens who already have their own band and are looking to level up!