Most of us are already aware of the advantages of music in our lives and education. The integration of music in the learning process is immense and beneficial for the pupils.
It leaves a positive impact on the child's academic performance, helps them develop social skills and offers an opportunity for creativity essential to the child's development.
Several studies conducted by educators and neurophysiologists have demonstrated that music has an important influence on humans' cognitive and psychophysical development, particularly in children.
Children exposed to music, particularly as children, have a profound impact on their cerebral cortex region. In reality, music creates neural pathways in the brain, allowing them to understand the world and language quickly and easily.
Undoubtedly, music is an essential subject that should wholly be included in the curriculum. It leads to more significant brain development, increases human connection, improves notes, helps socialize, and even lowers stress levels. However, music is less available in many school systems and is shelved to make room for other subjects.
To better understand why we must include music in education, we highlight the benefits of music.
Breaks Monotony
The first thing about school music lessons is that they are suitable for breaking the monotony of extended classes. The program helps students relax and take a break from their classes.
Stimulates brain development in children
Many studies found that engagement with music can lead to an incredible improvement in brain development in children. As per Northwestern University's study, better neural processing was witnessed in students who played a musical instrument than those who only listened to music. This study illustrates the importance of receiving a music education rather than simply turning on background music while working on other subjects.
Another study found an increase in IQ points in children engaged with music. At the same time, students without music lessons had little or no improvement in IQ subtests, index scores, and standardized measurements of academic success.
Also, Schellenberg's (2004) study examined whether music training impacts the IQ in a comprehensive sample of children randomly assigned to a music training group. An art training group or the control group: music training had a boosting effect on the IQ, while training in arts was more effective on social behaviour. Another two studies by Schellenberg (2006, 2011)confirmed an association between IQ and the duration of music training.
Improves Comprehension Skills
Integrating music into the curriculum is also a great way to enhance reading comprehension abilities in children. According to a study conducted at Northwestern University, students who actively participated in music classes had better speech processing abilities and higher reading scores than those not involved. Students must have the excellent reading ability as it is needed for almost every subject. Even topics that have nothing to do with English literature will involve reading.
Helps in Language Development
Music lessons at school help improve and stimulate language development because music is closely linked to our daily speech and conversation. The part of the brain that supports speech and learning also supports music, language and learning support music, so one can connect to why music, education, and languages are closely aligned. A study demonstrates that music helps learn more extensive vocabulary and enhance reading comprehension skills.
Reduces Stress
There are times when students are likely to get stressed and exhausted due to many factors, for instance, due to competition among students to become the topper in class, fluctuating grades or exam preparations, etc. This can be draining, both emotionally and physically. But, having music classes can help them reduce stress and depression, thus preventing physical health issues. It is excellent at relieving stress by synchronizing with the beats.
Several studies have also found that music can reduce burnout and improve mood states. You may also consider soundtracking your classroom to help relieve stress and anxiety for your students. It can help create a focused learning atmosphere.
Teaches Time-management and Discipline
Another great benefit, introducing music in education will help teach children the importance of time management skills and discipline and help develop the same. For instance, if your students are expected to learn musical instruments and practise outside the school, they will build the capacity to create a practice schedule. At the same time, they will learn to balance every other activity in their life. Thus, will be great at time management and well disciplined. It will help them in future as well.
Enhances Problem-Solving skills
Many scholars and researchers claim that music and mathematics go hand in hand. Knowledge of Music helps develop cognitive abilities, and students that are good at music are equally good at solving math problems such as algebra and geometry. It is found that people trained in music have higher levels of grey matter volume in their brain, which are directly related to auditory processing and understanding. Also, those with sound knowledge of music are great at listening to others, sensing emotion, and reacting with greater depth and understanding.
Another report, the Journal of Aesthetic Education, claims a link between music and better control of spatial-temporal tasks, which means children are better equipped to learn fundamental mathematical skills. Another theory declares that learning rhythm is responsible, as maths involves picking up patterns and combining visual elements.
Promotes Creative Thinking
The power of music cannot be undermined; most top musical bands originated from schools and universities where creative sharing the same interests met. In actuality, music promotes creative thinking among students. It is exciting and uplifting for students. It helps students become innovative, but it also helps them innovate in the science and technology field. They can also find solutions to everyday problems—both personally and professionally.
Develops Team Work and Leadership Skills
In school, students usually learn music together in groups – either with other students or teachers. Ultimately, this helps them learn social relations and teaches teamwork. Also, students working in a team or as part of a band work together— both during practice and performance. These life lessons learned here are teamwork and coordination.
Music classes in schools are an effective way to learn leadership qualities. For instance, students who have been asked to play an instrument in front of the class become the lead singer or lead the music team to learn leadership skills. They gain confidence or leading a team or coordinating with people.
Refines hand-eye coordination
Mastering an instrument to an elite level is not an easy task. It takes considerable hand-eye coordination to learn almost any musical instrument. Those with good knowledge of their craft get blessed with a unique skill that could be applied to other academia and general living areas.
Also, excellent hand-eye coordination is required in writing as well. Allowing your child to improve hand-eye coordination with music will benefit them in several tasks for a lifetime.
Brings a sense of achievement
It is very natural for humans to attain satisfaction upon accomplishing goals; so is the case with students; on achieving a musical dream, they get the satisfaction that comes from hard work to achieve something. From that point of view, music is an excellent source of confidence. Creating something as expressive and appreciated as music and seeing spectators on stage or family members at home can be an enriching experience. Belief is amongst the most valuable skills a child can ever have, and music is one of the best ways to make it happen with your child.
Makes a Great Career
Aside from all these, music makes for a fantastic career. You will find all the top musicians or singers and musical acts if you see them around. They all started young. There are many instances of people picking up their first music lessons in school and have moved on from there. So, yes, learning music in schools does wonders for making a career in music.
