Friday, January 30, 2009

Benefits of Music Education

By Salina Dane

Years ago, music education was respected as a required course in the public schools starting at elementary and running through middle school levels. Nowadays, music is not considered as important as science, mathematics, English, History, and other classes. Since music is not considered important by many schools, it is considered an outside activity where students can study privately with teachers by paying a fee for the lessons.

However, evidence suggests that children who are allowed to get at least a basic education in the arts, including music, have higher self-esteem, better memory, increased ability to express oneself, a greater ability to work with others and an understanding of teamwork, and even better academic performance. More than that, though, this type of "education" benefits adults, too, even if they don't start until later in life. Music education is comprised of any musically related class or lesson.

You may for example, decide that you want to learn how to play an instrument and take private lessons. Or if your child is in school, part of his or her education at the elementary level may include taking a general music last two or three days a week and learning the basics of rhythm, singing, and maybe even picking up a musical instrument. As music education progresses, the skills involved to become more complex and specialized.

The art of learning of music is educational, and it is also enjoyable for those inspired by it. A benefit could be that a student of any age will be able to learn more learning skills to apply in other subject areas. They may not even know that they are gifted, so it is a great way to discover hidden talents and the building of self-confidence.

Everyone has a unique learning style when it comes to music, so some may learn faster than others. It is still satisfying to learn an instrument or take voice lessons because you will notice progress in time. You mental process gets a good workout and it helps with reasoning and cognition with adults or young children.

When music students practice and develop the violin or piano skills, they begin with easy melodies and progress into more difficult ones, which subsequently leads to increased self confidence. As a result, they have a sense of achievement and pride in performing well. Learning music then helps build self confidence which leads to belief in oneself in life.

Music is an excellent medium for people to convey moods and thoughts through sound. Through the performing of instruments and the use of the voice, people can bring out the happiest or darkest emotions in an expressive manner. Bring music into one's life is a wonderful way to amuse and bring joy to peoples' lives in a home or at a performance gathering.

Joining with people regularly who have a passion for the same things you do (in this case, music) can increase your confidence, improve social skills, and make you feel welcome and part of a group instead of isolated. Studies have shown that people who can regularly connect with like-minded people live longer, and are healthier and happier. This also helps you learn how to cooperate with others in achieving a common goal. - 16003

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