Back To School - With Music!

"One of the most beautiful things we can give our children

Is music education."

~ Gloria Estefan

Everyone loves and enjoys music. Whether listening, playing, or singing, we understand the gift that music brings personally and globally.

Despite this incredible universal love of music, many schools are eliminating, or have eliminated their music programs. Parents and teachers agree this is a mistake, but that has not instigated these important programs back into schools.  Schools and families are losing not only an enjoyable subject but also something that enriches a student's life and enhances their educational process.

Consider adding music education to your schedule by finding a local music school and enrolling in a group or private music education. Here are a few benefits that are considered some of the top reasons to add music to your schedule this Fall.

1. Start learning Music Early. Early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain develops with music, and songs help imprint information on young minds.
2. A Sense of Achievement: Learning to play music on a new instrument can be challenging but achievable. Those who master even the smallest goal will be able to feel proud of their achievements.

3. Kids stay engaged in school: Music is fun and enjoyable. It keeps all children interested and involved. Musicians are likely to remain in school to achieve in other subjects.

4. Success in Society: Music is the root of our society, and music shapes ability and character. Students in band or orchestra are less likely to be distracted by social pressures, and music education contributes to a child's intellectual development.

5. Emotional Development: Musicians are more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures. They tend to have higher self-esteem and are better at coping with anxiety.

6. Better SAT scores: Tests have shown that students who have music experience or performance score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal testing, and 44 points higher on math.

7. Music is Relaxing: Beautiful and soothing music is especially helpful in promoting relaxation to both young and old. Learning to play music helps with stress.
8. Musical Instruments teach discipline: Children who learn to play an instrument learn a valuable lesson in discipline. Setting aside time to practice their instrument teaches a student to rise to the challenge of learning with discipline. 

9. Better Self-Confidence: With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument build pride and confidence. Music education helps to develop better communication skills, and that builds self-esteem and personal values.

Research also shows that music education can help students, even preschoolers, prepare for future endeavors. It also helps with enhanced language capabilities, improved memory, hand-eye coordination, study habits, teamwork, and enhanced mental processing and problem-solving abilities.  

And quite simply, it is fun!