Music and the Mind: Music Education

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one, introduces a greater understanding in the other. This means that practicing music introduces a better understanding of language, and makes students better readers.

Music Education in Schools

Music education is a fundamental tool that needs to be used because it offers a variety of advantages in all classes. "Music education is important and should continue to be funded, because it provides positive neurological and biological changes" (Sukel 2015). Schools often face budget cuts, resulting in the cut of elective music classes, music should continue to be offered. Rather than cutting music education, less beneficial classes such as art should be discontinued. Students enrolled in music classes show increased levels of maturity and cooperation (Brewer). The care of an instrument is a large responsibility and takes a certain level of adult behavior. Participation in the group performance of music teaches the importance of teamwork and collaboration to create a functional orchestra or band. The participation in groups such as marching band provides the opportunity to be active, and improves coordination.

Music training at a young age is the optimal time to develop long lasting positive effects. " Students who participated in music training at a young age were more than capable of keeping up with or surpassing their peers" (Gorman 4). Involvement in music at a young age is the best time to ingrain basic music skills due to the plasticity of the adolescent mind. The paring of music education with the K-12system allow students to develop musical proficiency during the prime age of five to eight. Building on the basic music foundation while involving students in core curriculum classes allows for simultaneous growth in artistic and academic skills. Thus success in music leads to success in academics.

Music is a valuable tool within academic classes. The use of music in the classroom can create a positive atmosphere and aid in lesson plans (Brewer 1995). Classical music in the classroom is a valuable tool in order to create a positive learning environment, and has the ability to temporarily improve focus and IQ (Gorman 3). The so called "Mozart Effect" is the hypothesis that listening to Mozart has the ability to make you smarter (Gorman 3). While it does offer results, the effects are very temporary and is not limited to Mozart. Music integrated into lesson plans has the ability to increase understanding, and provide a platform to add meaning and context. It is also an effective method for memorization of content such as vocabulary, which can be built into a lyrical style.

Conclusion

Music education is imperative part of K-12 education, and should continue to be taught in the school system. Proficiency in playing an instrument has the ability to improve memory, reading, mathematics, maturity, coordination, and relieves stress. Qualities such as these are developed and result in students excelling past their peers. Young people exposed to music education are more likely to exceed in the classroom, rather than those who paint. When music is incorporated into the classroom, meaning is added to lessons and are more likely to be understood. Thus making music education an important tool that must be used to encourage growth in students in all subject.