Week 5 - Music Programs in Schools

God and then music is where I go to gather my thoughts, regroup and bask in peace. My family has enjoyed singing, dancing and playing instruments since I can remember starting with looking at pictures of my father singing in his band before I was born. My first musical instrument class was in 4th grade playing the recorder, then clarinet in middle school to being a flag girl in the marching band in high school. Exposure to music helped me succeed both socially and academically from having confidence and being team oriented to developing strong memory and critical thinking skills.

The benefit of integrating visual arts in subjects like math is that children are developing visual-spatial skills, which are critical to logical and abstract thinking and problem solving. Music is an art that helps children develop leadership and human relation skills, which are critical to fostering high self-esteem and positive self-image. Learning art or music takes discipline and children who learn the value of maintaining a schedule to practice and improve their artistic skill is also developing healthy habits that translate to other areas like having a good work ethic, eating healthy food and being physically fit. Therefore, there is potential to reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions and bringing stress levels down.

It is unfortunate that the benefit of having visual arts programs in k-12 grades is overlooked because of inadequate planning, lack of quality programs and quick fixes to budget problems (Tony, 2015). My oldest daughter had the benefit of taking a variety of music classes throughout her k-12 career and unfortunately, those same opportunities were nonexistent for my other three children at their schools by the time they were in the 4th grade. Personally speaking as a parent, my children who were not afforded the same music programs like their older sister had a harder time navigating through the process of developing socially and emotionally. Quality music programs in school systems lead to higher test scores in reading and spelling, better grades and improved attendance by nearly 10% compared to schools without music programs (Bryant, 2014). In closing, I leave you with R&B band “Switch” my go to for relaxation.

References

Bryant, S. (2014, June 9). How Children Benefit From Music Education In School. Retrieved from NAMM Foundation: https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/2014-06-09/how-children-benefit-music-education-schools

Tony. (2015, August 28). The Truth About Why Music is Cut From Schools (and What We Can Do About It). Retrieved from The Music Parents' Guide: http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/08/28/the-truth-about-why-music-is-cut-from-schools-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/