Music Education Deserves an A+

In todays society, mathematics and language arts are stressed as core subjects. History and science are also deemed important subjects, followed by foreign languages and technology classes. Music, art, and drama are looked upon as subjects of very little importance. However, research shows that perhaps music is, in fact, a very beneficial and important part of a childs education. Music can help children improve their reading and math skills, as well as aid in accelerated learning. Learning a musical instrument can even lead to higher self-esteem and greater motivation in school.

It has been proven that a reading curriculum which includes music can help students to increase students reading scores. In a study involving over 13,000 students, significant gains were made in the corrective reading program when music was included as part of the curriculum (ESEA, 1969). In another study, 677 average students and 907 special education students not only achieved, but surpassed, the objectives of the program when music was added to their daily instruction. Bi-lingual students also achieved higher scores in this program (Walker, 1982). When an evaluation of elementary school students took place, 5th graders who played a musical instrument achieved at a higher level in reading comprehension than their peers who were not involved in music (Friedman, 1959). In some areas of the United States, reading teachers are now being urged to gain competency in music instruction.

Music is also beneficial in the teaching of mathematics. According to an ESAE Title I program evaluation, students who participated in keyboarding lessons, as well as normal classroom instruction, received better scores in math than students who had not taken the keyboarding lessons (ESEA, Title I Evaluation Report, 1969). In California, schools with a music program found that children who receive extended musical instruction make an average gain of one and one half times the normal learning rate in math (Maltester, 1986). Additionally, when we observe the skills used for math, it seems that these same skills are used in processing music.

Not only can music help students improve their scores in core subjects, but it can also help improve their self-esteem and attitude about school. In one study, it was determined that there is a link between high self-perception, general self-esteem, and interest in school music. Additionally, there seemed to be a connection between musical competence and high motivation to achieve success in school (Lillemyr, 1983). Other research shows that achievement in school music build self-image and can lead to interest in academics. In a study of underachieving, disadvantaged youth, their academic attitude and aspirations improved dramatically with the additional of musical study in their curriculum (Olanoff & Kirschner, 1969; Marshall, 1978).

Contrary to common opinion, music is a highly influential part of any childs education. Students achieve higher scores and feel better about themselves and about school when they participate in music lessons. Theres no reason that a good music program shouldnt be a part of every childs education. We must remember that the children of today are our future. If we make sure that each of these children has the opportunity to learn music, we can make that future a much brighter place.

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