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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Benefits of Music Education

By Salina Dane

Music education is sadly neglected by many public schools these days compared to several decades ago when it was firmly entrenched in most elementary and middle school curriculum. Other subjects are considered more important areas of interest, like Math, science, Geography, English, or computers. Many parents opt for private music lessons for their children as the schools will not offer music, and it can be expensive paying for private lessons.

Current research shows young students who have the opportunity to have some exposure to the arts, which means music, have better esteem and memory recall, verbal expression, better grades in school, and greater cooperation with peers and others. It works for adults too, even though they might start a few years later. The definition of music education means any classroom or private lesson with an instructor or tutor.

Do you or your child want to take a class or private lessons with a teacher on your own? Oftentimes, elementary schools already have a music teacher who takes a class and teaches them the basics of music including music pitches, a little music history, and singing some new songs by reading notes. As the child keeps growing musically each year in school, they can decide if they want to take private or class lessons to explore music further.

Nonetheless, what should not be lost is that learning music can be fun. It can even give you the ability to learn more effectively and pick up new skills in other areas of your life, whether you're a grown-up or a child. Let's look a little closer just how music can help children and people of all ages, tap into abilities they may not have known they had including emotional and social benefits such as greater self-esteem and self-discipline.

Learning music can come naturally to some and a little bit harder to others, but regardless, it's very enjoyable and rewarding to learn to play an instrument or to sing. Accomplishing something so notable and simply for the pleasure of doing it can lead to a great increase in self-esteem for children and for adults, too. The process of learning music is good exercise for the brain, whether it is a child or an older adult.

For example, if a student works hard to master the basics of playing the violin and then actually begins to play first simple tunes and then more and more complex ones which in turn leads to a sense of accomplishment and pride. So this success can lead to a greater sense of self-esteem, which in turn can positively affect how the rest of one's life goes. Accomplishing in this area can give you the confidence you need to reach other goals in life, too.

Music is one of the most unique outlets for self-expression. It can involve learning music that evokes emotions to be expressed, or it can actually involve the writing and playing or singing of music and lyrics. In addition, it can be a great way to entertain family or friends and students may have the opportunity to play in recitals .

People who belong to groups that have a similar pursuits such as music will increase social life and decrease social isolation. Research shows that people who belong to groups or clubs have better physical and mental health which benefits a longer life span. When people work together they learn to get along and feel a better sense of well-being as they learn to achieve goals.

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