- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Sound of Music
The Influence of Music Education
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
What is the value of music education? Recently, a demand for greater concentration has been placed on the traditional basics: English, math, science and history. In addition, there is an increased focus on computer competency and the need for foreign language. Add to the mix health education, family life education, industrial arts education, home economics, physical education and business education, and one wonders where music education fits in.
The National Commission on Excellence in Education (NCEE) recommends that middle and high schools provide vigorous programs in the fine and performing arts. According to the NCEE, there are many reasons why music should be part of primary and secondary education. The most notable are:
- Music contributes to the school and community environment (quality of life).
- Music makes the day more alive and interesting, which in turn leads to more learning.
- Music combines behaviors to promote a higher order of thinking skills.
- It provides a way to imagine and create and contributes to self-expression and creativity.
- Performing, consuming and composing are satisfying and rewarding activities.
- Music education provides for perceptual motor development.
- Music encourages teamwork and cohesiveness.
- It fosters creativity and individuality.
- Music education adds to the self-worth of participants.
- Music education fosters discipline and commitment.
Those who are directly involved with music education know the benefits firsthand. "Music educators feel and have observed that student involvement in school music has a positive impact on other areas of their lives," says Tony Mickela, band director and member of the National Music Booster Club. "These educators will tell you that musical involvement improves a student's self-discipline, dexterity, coordination, self-esteem, thinking skills, listening skills, creative abilities and personal expression. Most music educators are not aware of specific research that supports these feelings and observations, which could often offer them a way to get involvement from students and their parents."