Sarah Piper
Undergraduate In Music Education, University of Florida
Trombone
Whether heard on a MTV music video or symphony performance in Carnegie Hall, music has proven itself to greatly influence the human mind, both mentally and emotionally. Throughout the country, controversy has erupted concerning the advocacy for music education. While some critics state this art program requires unnecessary spending and funds in terms of school budgets, others support the idea that music changes lives. Therefore, through specific research involving the social development, academic achievements, and quality of life of young musicians, music education should clearly be supported, rather than opposed.
Through the affects of music education, the social development of students has greatly benefited. For instance, as stated in the January 1998 edition of Houston Chronicle, "Students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among any group in our society" (Supportmusic.com). In maintaining such programs, students are taught not only a new instrument, but belong to an organization that keeps students in a safe environment and away from potential problems like alcohol. Those few hours spent at band rehearsal or in choir practice can often fill the extra time students spend on the streets, in the car of an underage driver, or any other harmful situation. On the other hand, "economic rationalism is taking its toll on arts education across the country, with cuts in funding for specialist teachers and resources" (Russell-Bowie). While funding for core-academics is important, also consider the amount of funds saved in protecting the lives of students through their involvement in specialist programs like music. In addition, young musicians learn perseverance and gain self-esteem in studying new and challenging concepts. For example, in the motion picture, Mr. Holland’s Opus, young Gertrude Lang becomes discouraged when learning to play the clarinet, but ultimately perseveres to play a solo and later evolve as a state senator. Through such efforts to overcome an obstacle, students like Gertrude discover life lessons that can often lead oneself to a bright future.
Next, some local school boards like that in Mr. Holland’s Opus cut music programs from their budget in order to better finance teaching in the key academic subjects like math or science. In retrospect, other research proves music can ultimately increase scores and improve problem-solving. For instance, "In 2005, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 56 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 39 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts" (menc.org). Such statistics support that specialist programs like music develop skills far beyond learning notes or rhythms and may improve one’s chance for higher education. Likewise, music can offer neurological advantages in terms of math and arithmetic education. For example, according to the March 1999 edition of Neurological Research, "Students who were exposed to music-based lessons scored a full one hundred percent higher on fractions tests than those who learned in the conventional manner" (Supportmusic.com). In learning to read music, such students have more opportunity to better understand the break down of numbers and counting. Moreover, music can allow students to learn a great deal about themselves. For instance, Mr. Howell, the assistant director of the Vero Beach High School Band, stated in an interview that " through music you can learn a lot about yourself, other people, and life". Thus, by working as a team and playing or performing as one ensemble, music teaches students to be more observant, have better communication skills, and improve their own flaws.
Students involved in music education have clearly seen to have a better quality of life than those with no experience in the arts program. For instance, Dr. Frederick Tims reported in the AMC Music News that "During moments of musical euphoria, blood travels through the brain to areas where other stimuli can produce feelings of contentment and joy" (Supportmusic.com). As a result of learning or performing music, students can physically make themselves healthier. In addition, the concept of music can emotionally improve one’s life. In the novel Empathy, Arts and Social Studies, for example, the author states "With music instruction in schools, teachers found that students were less aggressive " (Supportmusic.com). In contrast, Mike Blakeslee, deputy executive director of the National Association of Music Education, states "whenever states face serious budget stress, music programs tend to face the chopping block" (Colgan 1). Granted, school budgets are tight nation-wide. On the contrary, in improving the emotional and physical well-being of our students through music, the otherwise government funds used in schools are saved, in that, the youth of society is healthier and stronger.
Therefore, music education within our school systems should undoubtedly be supported, rather than opposed. Research shows that not only do students learn new and interesting concepts, like how to play a new instrument, but they develop stronger socially, have higher academic achievements, and an overall quality of life that is invaluable. It is through music that we can benefit the youth of society for the better.
Colgan, Craig. "Music Education Advocates Struggle to Retain Programs."
National School Board Association. 28 May 2007.
http://www.nsba.org/
Howell, Colbert. Personal Interview. 24 May 2007.
"Keeping Music Education Strong." SupportMusic.com. 25 May 2007.
http://www.supportmusic.com/SMBrochure_eng.pdf
Mr. Holland’s Opus. Dir. Steven Herek. Perf. Richard Dreyfuss and Alicia Witt. 1995.
DVD. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 1996.
Russell-Bowie, Dr. Deirdre. "Is the World Alive with the Sound of Music?"
Music Teacher International Magazine.1997: 1+
"Scores of Students in the Arts." The National Music Association of Music Education. 25 May 2007.
http://www.menc.org/