Conference Paper Abrstract: Music is Key to Learning

Title: Music is Key to Learning

Background:

For decades people have questioned if music really does have an impact on children’s lives. Numerous experiments and case studies have been conducted to search for an answer to this important question. From personal experience, I know that every phase of my life has been incredibly benefited as a result of my adolescent classical music training. Although the positive effects of early musical training in elementary schools is evident, the Utah Legislature is diminishing the importance and availability of music courses. Music education in the elementary schools is instrumental in helping children not only perform better in school, but also in many areas of their lives.

Purpose:
It is unmistakable that musical training is an important tool which improves every aspect of a child’s life. So, why are the school districts threatening to remove the fine arts departments from their schools? Currently, the Utah legislature is trying to place more emphasis and importance on the core classes; such as: science, math, and reading.

This in turn would guarantee that children would not have enough time in the day to take fine arts classes. As Lois Birkenshaw-Fleming points out, “other subjects such as math and science may give children the tools for living, but music and the other arts are what give them a reason for living” (qtd. in Campbell 186). Some educators see music education as cultural frill not worth studying, but music education for children is much more than that.

Good music instruction touches the child’s mind where it lives—the body. It is essential for the rhythm, the balance, the emotions, the social awareness, and the increasingly sophisticated thinking of the kindergarten and elementary school child. (Campbell 165)

Method:

I plan to research many different studies that have been done focused on children within music education. Using those studies, quotes, and statistics in my paper will give it more credibility.

Anticipated Results:

After reviewing the evidence, one can conclude that musical training can drastically improve every aspect of a child’s life. Some of the benefits a child could expect are: improved mathematical reasoning, improved reading scores, enhanced memory, social benefits including greater self-esteem and confidence, and enhanced coordination and motor skills. It has been said that, if a child feels like he has no friends, music can be a jumpstart to new friendships. Studying rhythm and tone can help him advance in his schoolwork. Also, the “grace and mastery” of a musical instrument can help him feel coordinated and able to successfully participate in other activities. Finally, music is a means of communicating his deepest emotions and feelings (Campbell 191).