There has been a lot of discussion around the Music Education community recently about the benefits of music education for children.
There is a lot of talk about the “Mozart Effect” where the listening to certain types of classical music are shown to have benefits in ordering the brain and thus improving intelligence.
Some have found this to be false, and that just listening to certain types of music cannot possibly help improve intelligence. Some say that playing or being involved in music definitely helps their mental abilities, but the “jury is still out” on its final proof.
During my time as a music educator I have seen many students get a load of both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits from learning a musical instrument. The enjoyment that a child will get from being involved in music should be a reason enough in itself, and who is to say whether in the long term it is going to benefit their intelligence in other areas?
When developing lesson plans for music it is important for educators to simply realize that while you might want to help children develop their intelligence, your primary goal is simply to teach them music for music’s sake.
Music Education Advocacy is very important for all music educators, as without a belief in music the schools will not fund what can be expensive programs with instruments and teaching costs. Even purchasing cheap Music Theory Worksheets will be difficult for school boards who do not believe in the value of music education.
Music, even if it is expensive is definitely a worthwhile subject to teach. Through developing musical skills children will improve their confidence, their social skills, have greater understanding and awareness of the arts and lastly and most importantly have a great time doing it.
With all of the nonsensical ways everyone seems to feel we have to “justify” music, I applaud your going in this direction. People who express themselves through musical participation know music’s importance intuitively and don’t feel the need to explain or justify it. To my way of thinking, music’s value transcends explanation. If we could put it into words, we wouldn’t need the music! May I say, to my way of thinking, you could have left out he last bit about confidence, social skills, etc. Have courage! Thanks for all this.