The Importance of Music In School
Music education and the use of music throughout grade school provide students a plethora of benefits, some you might not even think of.
Music education is especially important in early childhood education, helping young students to develop and improve communication, memory, and social skills. “The benefits of music education are immense and highly beneficial to students. Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child’s development” (graduateprogram.org). Music education can also help improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills “Music education promotes improved coordination, specifically hand-eye coordination. Musicians must multitask! They must do multiple things all at once, all of which improve coordination and further develops the brain.”
Further down the line into their music education, it can spur students’ interest in pursuing a degree or career in music. “For some students, music classes get them excited for their careers in music. We have had 2 recent graduates that are going into music. One student is at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, planning on playing her instrument as a career, for example. Another RHS grad is a band director at another school corporation. Other RHS graduates perform in college: University of Notre Dame, IU, Purdue, and other schools in the midwest. One RHS grad was in the IU marching band for 5 years. There is no doubt that having music classes at RHS has been very influential in those students' decisions” said Riley High School Band Director Jeff Gorman.
A career in instrumental music performance in the 21st century provides a broad array of jobs, some outside of performing as well, one of those being teaching. For those looking to still have a career in music, but are looking for something stable right out of college, teaching might be a great option for you. However, if you love teaching and also enjoy music, music Ed. could be a great field for you to go into. “I chose music because first, I chose to teach. Music was secondary. Through my life journey, I found true joy in teaching. I truly enjoy helping others discover a love for music. I have had a few student teachers and university students come to observe me and "watch what I do". I have been playing in many different musical groups since I was in high school and college and performing was more than fun for me. Teaching and music together are like the best of both worlds and I get to do that as my ‘job’," replied Gorman.
In addition to the possibility of a career in music, music classes provide students with a great outlet and hobby. “Music classes, such as band, are extremely beneficial to school in my opinion. These classes allow students to possibly find life-long passions or dream careers. The opportunity to take these classes during school expands the musical community and can be helpful to all students who need to find an escape from the school day. These classes should always be an option for students,” answered current senior Cody Andis, “It allows me to disconnect from everything that is going on and focus on not only the music but myself. I will certainly continue to play musical instruments as a hobby throughout my life. If possible I would like to continue playing in college, but I will still play for fun. Not only is it a good skill to have, but it can also be quite relaxing to play music.”
Music education provides students with an insurmountable amount of benefits, skills, and opportunities. By participating in and continuing to provide music education and classes in grade school, students are able to develop essential skills they’ll use throughout their life. They also expand their knowledge and career perspectives giving them the option to pursue a career in music should they desire it. Furthermore, students gain a lifelong hobby that can bring them joy and a way to express and connect with themselves.
