Having your child experiment with music in schools will allow them to develop an appreciation and enjoyment for music while experiencing a range of mental, emotional and physical benefits.
Words Ava Akbarian
Music in schools has many benefits for students. Approximately 90 per cent of Australian parents believe that music is an essential component of learning. Having your child experiment with music in schools will allow them to develop an appreciation and enjoyment for music while experiencing a range of mental, emotional and physical benefits.
Music learning is often the combination of listening, performing and composing. According to the Department of Education, Victoria, “These activities, developed sequentially, enhance students’ capacity to perceive and understand music.”
Experimentation for young learners
Music in schools is a great way for students to experiment and learn in a different form. Exposure to music can improve learning and increase a positive classroom atmosphere.
St Aloysius College, North Melbourne, has introduced the use of instruments through its Year 7 Music Program. In addition to its rich school-wide ensemble opportunities, the Year 7 Music Program at St Aloysius College allows students to choose an instrument that they are able to borrow from the college and treat as their own for the year. They will take this instrument home for practice, and bring it onto campus for their Instrumental Music lessons. This sparks passion, teaches responsibility and discipline, and culminates in the Year 7 Music Performance Evening where the college celebrates the progress made by these young learners.
Encouraging your child to experiment with music at school is a great way for them to explore their passions and utilise school resources.
Confidence, self-esteem and creativity
Studies have revealed that music can improve a young person’s sense of self-worth and promote positive self-esteem. For many students, music in schools allows them to express themselves and feel valued.
What if my child is not a music professional?
It doesn’t matter! A BBC Arts study found that taking part in activities such as making music helps people build confidence, regardless of their skill level.
Social and emotional benefits
Music in schools offers many social and emotional learning benefits for students. Music in schools teaches students mindfulness in the classroom and leads to well-rounded individuals.
Music engages both the left and right sides of the brain, complementing the student learning through:
Sensory integration
For children and young adults, music education goes beyond music itself. Research has shown that music training and exposure physically develops the left side of the brain known to be involved in processing language. In addition, the social and emotional benefits of music performance or listening can protect against anxiety and depression or, at the very least, aid recovery.
Other social and emotional skills from music in schools include perseverance, self-management,social awareness, decision-making and teamwork.
Students can express themselves, working through stress and anxiety.
Intellectual and cognitive development
Through music in schools, students can develop a sense of creativity and express themselves. This is an important part of your child’s development.
Music engages important cognitive skills including planning, reasoning, memory and flexibility.
Studies show that music in schools is a great approach to support other educational processes and development of students.
Participating in musical activities can also increase children’s I.Q. scores and success in school.
Connecting with the community and the world
Participating in music in schools is a great way for students to connect with the community and the world around them.
“Music at Xavier College has an important place within our Jesuit context,” says James De Rozario, Head of College Music. “We offer an extensive instrumental and ensemble program, along with a comprehensive curriculum including composition electives, VET subjects, which all run in conjunction with our broad performance calendar of concerts and masses.
“Our students can create, interact and work across multiple year levels while listening, discerning and creating. We know that music connects our students with our community, our faith and our world.”