March is Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), which was first celebrated nationwide in 1985. It was first enacted to highlight the importance of music education programs and music in general in our schools. Along with their core subjects, music is highly beneficial to students of all ages and gives them a well-rounded education. Here’s some ways music in our schools is so important.
Improves Memory
If you’ve ever gotten a song stuck in your head, you know the affect music can have on your memory. Even outside of music class, teachers use music to teach our students every day. Just think of the alphabet song when you were first learning your ABCs. Chances are you were also taught the state capitols or our nation’s presidents in the form of song as well. Not only can catchy tunes and words help us remember information but learning to perform music can also improve memory. Learning to read sheet music and how to play an instrument allow students to constantly use their memory to perform.
Enhances Language Capabilities
Learning to read music is often described as learning another language. This is because it is. It stimulates the same areas of the brain that learning Spanish or French might. A lot of musical terms are also in other languages as well- primarily Italian. Additionally, when learning about music, students are learning to recognize things like pitch, tone, and even the enunciation of words. This can help students- especially young students- learn and process new words.
Strengthens Hand-Eye Coordination
There’s a lot a musician needs to be able to see and process when they are playing their instrument. Not only do they need to play their instrument, but they also need to read their music and pay attention to the conductor. Because of this, they are strengthening not only their hand-eye coordination but also their dexterity.
Keeps Students Engaged
From learning the alphabet with a song to having music on in the background: music is a versatile tool teachers can use, no matter the subject being taught. Music is often called the universal language. It doesn’t matter if there are words or even if the words are in your native language, music can affect your mood and even your productivity. Especially for those students who sometimes find school boring, music can make it a more enjoyable experience.
Develops Imagination and Creative Thinking
Not only can music stimulate our brains to think more critically, but it can also help with students’ creativity. Creativity and imagination are just as important to a child’s learning as reading comprehension and language skills. Music can help stimulate our brains, which can lead to more new and innovative ideas. Music is not just for music class anymore. It can help students no matter the subject.