" Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul." (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime isn't enough for music. (Sergei Rachmaninoff)
There are so many programs, sports and activities for children at all stages of development. As a parent, it is hard to know which activities to choose for your child. One choice that has long term benefits is music education. No matter what the age, there are music opportunities for your child whether it is classes, lessons or band/choir. And research is showing that the longer your child is in music, the better the results.
Children participating in music education programs have increased abilities in several cognitive areas.
First, students are better prepared to learn. Music training provides students with enhanced fine motor skills as well as better memory and thinking skills.
Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning.
Children perform better in academic achievement. Many studies have concluded that a background in music helps students both in verbal and math areas. Students perform better on SAT scores as opposed to students without a music educational background.
Recent studies show that students who study the arts often perform better on standardized tests.
Music is powerful at the individual level because it can induce multiple responses – physiological, movement, mood, emotional, cognitive and behavioral.
Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind to be alert and remain active eventually helping to sharpen the memory.
Music study enhances team work skills and discipline.
Playing a musical instrument relieves stress.
Music is one of life's simple joys; it helps calm the mind.
Music focuses on “doing,” as opposed to observing. In the music classroom, students learn to better communicate and cooperate with one another.
Music performance teaches young people to conquer fear and to take risks.
→   The brain’s multiple processing of music makes it difficult to predict the particular effect of any piece of music on any individual.
→  Music has powerful therapeutic effects which can be achieved through listening or active music making.
→  Music can promote relaxation, alleviate anxiety and pain, promote appropriate behavior in vulnerable groups and enhance the quality of life of those who are beyond medical help.
→  Active involvement in music making in children may increase self-esteem and promote the development of a range of social and transferable skills.
→  People can use music in their lives to manipulate their moods, alleviate the boredom of tedious tasks, and create environments appropriate for particular social events.
→  Music can influence our behavior in ways which are beyond our conscious awareness. Knowledge of these effects can be used to manipulate our work and purchasing behavior.