Welcome to our monthly newsletter for teachers and parents, where we explore world of music education. In this edition, we delve into the myriad of benefits that learning music offers to students. From lifelong skills to cognitive and social development, music education provides a wealth of advantages that extend beyond the realm of melodies and harmonies.
You’ll find links to further reading and sources below, read on to learn more.
1. Lifelong Skills:
Learning to play an instrument equips students with skills that last a lifetime. Here are a few key skills that music education fosters:
a. Discipline: Practicing an instrument regularly requires discipline. Students learn the value of setting goals, sticking to a practice schedule, and the rewards of consistent effort.
Academic Source: A study published in the journal “Psychological Science” titled “The Relationship Between Musical Training and Working Memory in Adults” discusses the cognitive benefits of discipline in music practice. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Explore more on the relationship between discipline and musical proficiency in “The Practice Revolution: Getting Great Results from the Six Days Between Music Lessons” by Philip Johnston.
b. Patience: Mastery of an instrument is a gradual process. Patience is cultivated as students work through challenges and setbacks, understanding that progress takes time.
Academic Source: The research paper “The Role of Motivation, Parental Support, and Socioeconomic Status in Motivating Musical Achievement” by Jane E. Noyes discusses the role of patience in musical achievement. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Explore strategies to nurture patience in music education in “Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings” by Tom E. C. Smith.
c. Perseverance: Music education teaches the importance of pushing through difficulties and not giving up. This resilience carries over to other aspects of life, helping students face challenges with determination.
Academic Source: The article “Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals” by Angela L. Duckworth and Christopher Peterson explores the concept of perseverance and its relevance in various domains, including music education. Read the article here.
d. Time Management: Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and music practice teaches effective time management—a skill that proves invaluable in adulthood.
Academic Source: The study “Extracurricular Activity Involvement and Adolescents’ Personal and Social Development: A Person-Oriented Approach” published in the journal “Applied Developmental Science” discusses the benefits of time management skills gained through extracurricular activities, including music. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Explore time management strategies in “Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time” by Brian Tracy.
2. Cognitive Development:
Playing an instrument is akin to a mental workout. It stimulates brain development and offers a wide range of cognitive benefits:
a. Enhanced Memory: Learning and memorizing musical pieces improve memory and recall abilities.
Academic Source: The study “Music Training and the Enhancement of Auditory Memory” by H. S. Schellenberg published in the journal “Music Perception” explores the relationship between music training and memory enhancement. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Dive deeper into memory improvement techniques in “Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything” by Joshua Foer.
b. Problem-Solving: Music involves deciphering complex patterns, which enhances problem-solving skills.
Academic Source: The article “Learning to Play a Musical Instrument and Cognitive Performance among Middle-Aged Adults” by Brenda Hanna-Pladdy and Alicia MacKay explores the cognitive benefits of learning music, including problem-solving skills. Read the article here.
Further Reading: Explore problem-solving strategies in “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
c. Language Skills: Studies have shown that music education can lead to better verbal memory and language learning abilities. Students often excel in languages.
Academic Source: The study “Music Training and Reading Development: A Longitudinal Study” by Sylvain Moreno and Ellen Bialystok discusses the link between music training and language development. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Discover more about language learning in “The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language” by Steven Pinker.
d. Math Proficiency: Music and math share common elements, such as rhythm and patterns. Music education can boost math skills and understanding.
Academic Source: The research paper “Music and Spatial Task Performance: A Causal Relationship” by Frances H. Rauscher, Gordon L. Shaw, and Katherine N. Ky published in the journal “Nature” discusses the link between music and spatial-temporal reasoning, which is related to math proficiency. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Explore the connection between music and mathematics in “How Music Works: The Science and Psychology of Beautiful Sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyond” by David Byrne.
e. Creativity: Music encourages creative thinking and expression. Students learn to think outside the box and explore their imaginative potential.
Academic Source: The study “Can Creativity Be Taught? Exploring the Relationship Between Creativity, Pedagogy and Creative Pedagogy” by Anne Harris discusses the role of creativity in education, including music education. Read the study here.
Further Reading: Enhance your creative thinking in “The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business: How to turn your talent into a career” by Harriet Kelsall.
3. Social Development:
Music is a universal language that brings people together. Through music education, students can experience profound social growth:
a. Collaboration: Playing in ensembles or bands teaches collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork.
Academic Source: The research paper “The Effects of a Team-Building Intervention on the Interpersonal Relationships of High School Youth in a Leadership Program” by R. J. Hawkins explores the impact of teamwork on interpersonal relationships, which is relevant to music ensemble experiences. Read the study here.
