Children benefit from music education because it encourages teamwork, boosts self-esteem and makes them smarter. This essay’s first section will demonstrate how musicians are more confident and have a higher sense of self-worth, which is useful in a society that constantly judges. The second section of this essay will explain how music education and specifically being in an orchestra or choir can improve your ability to work with others. The final section explains how music education leads to greater success in academics, school activities and sports.
The first is that music participation creates a high level of self-esteem. Dimitra Kokotsaki, who teaches secondary school music at Durham University, and Susan Hallam – author of The Power of Music – say that music education can help children of all economic backgrounds to feel more confident and included. According to research conducted in Switzerland, the inclusion of more music in classrooms led to increased cohesion between students, increased self-confidence and improved social skills. The pride of children increases when they can adjust and unite with others. Participating in ensembles increased participants’ self-confidence. They also felt more accomplished. It is important to set expectations for all musicians to meet. If they improve their abilities, it can make them feel good about themselves.
The practice of music can easily lead to a high level of self-esteem. Participants rated the experience of learning to cooperate and share ideas to achieve a goal as highly, which increased self-esteem. They also felt motivated to improve the standards and maintain them (Kokotsaki and Hallam). When groups can reach consensus on a standard and are willing to meet it, they gain self-confidence because others feel that the group is listening. “These habits can be generalized to other academic areas, social/emotional aspects and life in general and lead to increased success and self-esteem” (“Music Matters”) These students achieve success in music because their musical skills transfer to other areas. Good grades are usually awarded, and this can give them a sense of accomplishment. Music Matters says: “This preparedness may be a result of the disciplined and focused music majors who developed their focus through intensive practice and performing routines before entering college.” This intense preparation for college material and the ability to perform it at a high level almost guarantees acceptance by any college.
Students who study music develop a positive attitude and a strong sense of self-confidence. Sari N.Harrar, an expert in science, medicine and health for Prevention, states that “…band or orchestra members are less likely than others to experiment with drugs, smoke or drink alcohol. Music students tend to be less insecure and are therefore less likely than other kids to smoke, drink alcohol or experiment with drugs. Ken Petress says that “…being an accomplished musician… can give the musician confidence in all aspects of life …”. This is because people feel more accomplished when they master the necessary skills to play music. “32% reported that being in the music group increased their confidence” (Kokotsaki-Hallam). It’s not a large number, but the results are clear. Music has a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem.
A child’s self esteem is boosted by a regular performance as a musician. Will Dawson, guitar teacher and San Dimas Music and Arts employee, said, “”…kids put in hard work and are able to handle criticism”. The kids’ self-esteem is boosted because they learn to accept criticism. “…children are able to rebuild their personalities by being musicians (Dawson). It’s a way for them to discover themselves, or to connect with their role models. When children realize that they are talented, they become more outgoing. Not only do students feel special when they discover their talent, but anyone can. Music education is not only good for self-esteem; it’s also great for teamwork.
Music education helps to improve teamwork. “Learning to compromise and work as a cohesive team was highly valued” (Kokotsaki-Hallam). Being a music is a great way to learn how to work in a cohesive team. There are so many types of group performances, including orchestras. “…the group’s characteristics are often important. They include the requirement to collaborate in order to perform in real time and the interdependence required to achieve such a result …”. Teamwork is essential in an orchestra or band to produce the performance that each musician is there for. “…musicians are required to work as one team when performing in a large group, such as an orchestra or band. To create the desired impact on the audience, it is important that musicians work as a group. Music improves teamwork and musicians are more serious about the group than students.
Music education helps students learn teamwork. “Not just musically, but socially as well… you were in a group which’made music’ happen” (Kokotsaki). When you are part of a team, it is easier to work together when everyone feels comfortable. “…promotes group music-making because students are better teammates when they play together. This type of group performance can help students to develop skills they will use later in their lives. Carolyn Phillips – former executive director at the Norwalk Youth Symphony of Connecticut – states: “”…all the players must be committed to working together towards a goal, namely the performance. This includes learning music, going to rehearsals, and practising”. These things teach musicians to be dedicated to their team. When everyone is involved in a music group, the musician becomes better.
It is easy to learn how to work in a team. In music classes, students also have the opportunity to learn better communication and cooperation skills (Phillips). This is because students all share music. When it’s important, sharing music with others is similar to sharing secrets. “The orchestra is a great place to socialize and develop group skills …”. As an adult these group skills can be very useful when performing group tasks for a particular job. Angela Kwan writes in Parents Magazine that “group classes require peer communication and interaction”. It is easy for orchestral members to become friends, achieve tasks and have a wonderful performance or concert when they master these skills. In addition to being an important skill for orchestra members, mastering teamwork will help you in other areas of your life.
Music education is a great way to improve teamwork. “In a group, the strongest link is the one who sits at the front” (Dawson). He says it because musicians learn their parts together when they play in groups. Dawson says that ensemble play “Builds a Sense of Comfort and Family” (Dawson). The musician will end up working closely with the group to create quality work. The teamwork aspect is enhanced when someone becomes a professional musician. “People are drawn to a team,” says Dawson. Musicians are a group of people who share a passion for music. Music education can improve teamwork, but also academic performance.
Music education can also help people succeed in school and academics. Music Matters: “Studies show that children who learn keyboarding have better abstract reasoning skills than their peers. These abilities also improve with time and sustained music training” Abstract reasoning is a way for children to improve and learn math and sciences. “Musical education develops brain regions responsible for verbal learning, such as the ability to recall and retain spoken words.” (“Music Matters”) This helps them to remember and retrieve information more quickly. This may be due in part to the discipline that music majors develop through their intense performance and practice routines before entering college. Music students who develop discipline and focus are more likely to succeed in college and achieve their goals. Music-related activities give students more benefits.
Music education improves academics. Researchers from the University of California Irvine conducted a study of 237) second graders and found that those students who had music instruction did 27% better in a fractions quiz than those children who didn’t receive any instruction. This happens because children with music lessons subconsciously think about math constantly, such as how many quarters there are in one full note. “…NELS studies report that students who are musically active receive higher honors academically than those who are not. (Petress). There is no doubt that the music students who receive more academic honors also have a link to those who don’t. “An Activity that Both Increases Intellectual Development …”(Petress)”. According to some, music education can help develop intellectual skills because musicians must constantly think quickly and make transitions to play each song. Musicians have an advantage in terms of thinking skills.
Musicians are able to understand academic material better than other children. “…some study show, that an education in arts is better for math and sciences students, improves spatial intellect in newborns…and [is]a compelling solution against teen-violence” (Petress). The ability of musicians to read and understand sheet music quickly is the key. Petress: “Neurological studies show that music education increases abstract reasoning, which is needed for math and science.” Musicians do better in math and sciences than other children. This is because musicians are better at memorizing. Eugenia Costa Giomi is an associate professior at McGill University of Quebec in Canada. She states, “…ingeneral, musicians score higher in spatial ability tests than subjects without music training”. Higher test scores were achieved by musicians because they can memorize formulas. This is a necessary skill in math and sciences. Music is a great way to boost academic performance.
Music can improve the academic performance of children. Since musicians are disciplined, they are able to focus and concentrate. Concentration and discipline are the keys to a better study habit. When a child studies harder, their school grades will likely improve dramatically. A musician’s study habits can be improved by “being exposed” to the amount time required to learn an instrument (Dawson). A musician will have the patience to learn skills, as studying is like playing an instrument. This is particularly helpful in academics. “… can help musicians understand what’s happening …” around them. Concentration is a skill that everyone should have. Adults are generally in favor of improving academic work for students. Many parents send their children to band or orchestra because they want their kids to improve their grades.
A music education gives people the luxury of being smarter, more confident, and better at teamwork. This is essential in today’s society. A music education builds the brain of a child and gives them confidence. Music students have a better ability to work in a group. The research shows that music students are more likely to be successful in other areas, including academics.
