Negative Effects Of Music Education

What if there is one activity that can benefit students in every school across the nation? An activity that helps students to raise their grades and scores on standardized testing? An activity that allows students to form lasting friendships? An activity that will help students become more disciplined and confident? Would you let your child take that activity? It is very likely that you answered yes to one of these questions. Who doesn’t want the best for their children? Luckily, this “activity” is accessible almost everyone. Unfortunately, many schools will not make it a part of their curriculum. This “activity” is something that everyone is aware of, but easily neglected. This activity is music.

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Another example can be seen by Sharon Begley’s July 24 issue of Science and Technology in which she stated that listening to music starting at a young age helps a child do better in math and science. Again, others might claim that music education in school is a “waste of money and time”. This statement can be contradicted by researcher MIT professor Jeanne Bamberge. Bamberge claims that because of music, children are able to listen and learn better and faster than those who aren’t blessed with music educations. In addition, music increases students’ abilities to listen and learn. Martin Gardiner at the Center for the Study of Human Development at Brown university reported a connection between early language skills and musical ability. Giving children education in music as young as possible can help them to have the ability to be successful in learning language. In another study done by Columbia University, it demonstrated that students who participate in the music are usually more cooperative with teachers and peers, have more self-confidence, and are better able to express themselves. Moreover, the social benefits of music education can continue throughout a student’s life in ways one would never suspect. An example of this would be that “students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol,

Music education provides personal benefits to students that enrich their lives. In the study of perceived benefits of music by Dimitra Kokotsaki and Susan Hallam, it was found that “participating in an ensemble enhanced feelings of self-achievement for the study’s participants, assisted individuals in overcoming challenges, built self-confidence, and raised determination to make more effort to meet group expectations regarding standards of playing” (12). In an ensemble, every member is equally important, from the first chair to the last chair. Thus every person must be able to play all of their music and be ready for anything. When one person does not practice their music and comes to rehearsal unprepared, it reflects upon the whole ensemble. Needless to say, no one wants to be that person. So students take it upon themselves to show that they want to be there and come prepared. This type of attitude continues throughout students’