How Music in Our Schools Can Spell Success

March is Music In Our Schools Month; unfortunately these days music is often the first program we lose in our public schools. Music is seen as an extra curricular activity that just does not benefit students in a way that math or reading can.

Research shows that there are various types of intelligence and learning styles, so why is it that schools don't use this knowledge when preparing programs for its students? Why is it that music is one of the first programs to go?

Did you know that studies show a student with musical intelligence is more successful in school than those students who have never taken a music class?

Increases Language Skills and Memorization

Music is not simply a form of entertainment, music is also a great resource for learning just about anything. Music brings benefit to those studying foreign languages and SAT vocabulary words. Have you ever noticed how people can memorize lyrics to a song without much effort? This is often due to the rhythmic tone used behind the lyrics. It is almost hypnotic. Most likely the reason behind music therapy used by therapists.

One of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to listen to songs in that language. It helps to use music in order to learn hundreds of vocabulary words in a fun and interactive way.

Increases Concentration and Coordination

Due to the effects of music on the mind, it also has the ability to increase ones concentration and coordination. Music is often used in therapy as a way to help one relax during meditation. Remember when singing to your baby in order to soothe and calm him or her down. Studies even show that listing to relaxing music also lowers blood pressure.

I'm sure when you are riding in the elevator you notice a difference in your mental faculties. I'm assuming it is to calm us in a place where most people are a bit nervous.

Often you will see a student listening to music while working on a math or writing assignment. How can this help with their concentration you may ask? It truly does, and I often have to remind myself of this, when my kids are singing while doing their work. Studies show, that's my mantra. And it is true, as time flies by, the work gets done, and in a way that students enjoy.

Raises Test Scores

"According to the Association for Psychological Science, intelligence test scores grew higher in children who took lessons in keyboarding or singing. In another study, boys between the ages of 6 and 15 who took music lessons scored higher on tests of verbal memory than a control group of students without musical training."

Perhaps you remember a documentary or YouTube video of the inner city schoolteacher who created a rap in order to help her students memorize their multiplication facts. Not only did each student succeed, but they also loved the song. They sang it in class, on the playground and at home as well. They taught it to their younger brothers and sisters, who had no idea what multiplication was, only that the rhythm of the song, was cool.

Music does have its negative affects I will agree, so help students selectively choose music that has beneficial content. They may even find that they enjoy how classical music makes them feel. I hope that you found this article beneficial and an inspiration to using music in your teaching.

Resources Cited

How Music Affects Us and Promotes Health
Retrieved, Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Psychology of Music
Retrieved, Tuesday, February 22, 2011