Music education benefits many other life studies What does a tapping foot, a guitar and exuberant dancing have in common? Surprisingly, these factors equal a great start for better learning, stronger social skills and overall improved self-esteem in children. Additionally, parents can take an active role in introducing music to children by taking them to free concerts, encouraging them to learn a new instrument and exposing them to a range of music genres, among other things. Allen encourages children to participate in school music programs where available, and for parents and educators to take additional steps to nurture an appreciation for music and develop talent in children. "The value of the arts is being placed under increased scrutiny," Allen says. It is proven that music and arts improves a child's abilities to learn and problem solve. Even though the research gives good support for music education, it's becoming more and more difficult for school districts to afford music programs, resulting in band, choral and orchestral programs to be removed from curriculums. Additionally, music has been shown to help reduce stress and enhance a child's self-esteem. In fact, music education is just as important to the core curriculum as anything else. continues to lag behind a dozen other countries in STEM academic achievement, even after attempts to reverse this trend, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Music education is a great tool in helping children perform well in other school subjects, and musical performances are wonderful for encouraging self-knowledge and confidence. Schools districts are also under pressure to improve STEM - otherwise known as science, technology, engineering and mathematics - education programs. And another study done by the University of California in Irvine showed a 46 percent increase in spatial reasoning IQ in a group of preschoolers after eight months of keyboard lessons. Dr. Community centers often offer small group lessons at affordable rates. Research shows that studying music helps with math, science and language learning and response times - particularly in younger children. |