“Music is exciting. It is thrilling to be sitting in a group of musicians playing (more or less) the same piece of music. You are part of a great, powerful, vibrant entity. And nothing beats the feeling you get when you’ve practiced a difficult section over and over and finally get it right. (yes, even on the wood block.) Music is important. It says things you heart can’t say any other way, and in a language everyone speaks. Music crosses borders, turns smiles into frowns, and vice versa. These observations are shared with a hope: that, when schools cut back on music classes, they really think about what they’re doing – and don’t take music for granted.”
– Dan Rather — CBS News

Music education helps develop students’ intellectual and emotional lives in a way no other subject can match. It helps students engage with school, creates good citizens and even helps them progress in other important learning areas such as maths and English.  – Music: Play for life.

How will Music benefit my son or daughter?

Music:

• broadens musical, intellectual and cultural horizons
• fosters self-esteem, confidence and a positive outlook
• endorses the pursuit of excellence
• focuses on participation and performance in an environment of co-operation and teamwork
• encourages mutual respect and tolerance
• stimulates intellectual growth
• caters for differences in learning styles, opening avenues that students may not otherwise access
• provides one of the most powerful and profound means of expression and communication
• develops memory and demands accuracy and persistence.

Source: Australia Council, 2001

Did you know?

• Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.
• Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
• Learning music significantly facilitates development in mathematics and English, both oral and written.

Source: http://childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/12benefits.html

 

They don’t want to be a musician. Why should they do Music?

What they learn in Music will help with many jobs:

• listening skills
• working collaboratively
• understanding spoken language and increasing vocabulary
• individual responsibility and professional attitudes
• following timelines and meeting deadlines
• revising and reworking material until it is the best it can be
• ability to handle pressure and stress.