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Sam Lyon Enriched English 10 Mrs. Voshell 18 March 2012 Importance of Music Education When the subject of music arises, most individuals think of singers like Adele, Michael Jackson or Madonna. While these figures are important to our culture and society, they are not all there is to music. Music is important to human development. From classroom to the big stage, Music allows people to express themselves and grow as well. Music helps develop language skills, teamwork, and many other necessary skills. Music is not a specialized subject, in that it is mixed with other classes to help develop capacity for learning. An extensive study has shown that music and illustration help in the teaching of languages, and memorization. This study involved forty-eight second-grade students with limited English proficiency. During the study, students were split into control groups of music and illustration, music without illustration, illustration without music, and neither. Each group was given text to study, and the results were shown in vocabulary gained at the end of the study. The results showed that students who were allowed to listen to musical representations of the vocabulary excelled over those who were not given music. (Medina, Suzanne) Though music greatly assists when integrated with other subjects, it is also very beneficial when taught directly in a band or choir ensemble. Arthur Lyon, who graduated from Shenandoah University in 1980 with a bachelors degree in music therapy, says that the playing and practice of music in an ensemble builds many characteristics and personality traits starting with teamwork. Hand in hand with teamwork is responsibility. These traits are built from

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participation in a musical ensemble, because each individual musician is accountable to the rest, and each is responsible to do his or her own part to contribute to the whole groups success. Each must practice individually before the group can play as a whole, and this develops a pattern of good habits, which follow a person through the entirety of life. Along with responsibility, inschool music education builds the confidence needed to play for an audience. Music is a major part of communication, and the playing of music helps to communicate emotion nonverbally. This outlet helps students to be less stressed, and more peaceful when participating in a musical ensemble. Goal setting is another great ability people receive when playing music, because they can aspire to play a piece of music, and through practicing achieve that goal. (Lyon, Arthur) Not only does music improve peoples lives emotionally, but also academically. It has been well established that the production of serotonin is linked with the music that people listen to. Serotonin, also called the learning chemical is a hormone secreted by the brain, which regulates brain functions and emotions. More Serotonin generally makes a happier and smarter person. (Byrd, Andrea) Average test scores reflect involvement in music programs within schools. Math classes, SATs, and intelligence quotient testing are all affected by music. Musical students get on average twenty seven percent higher math scores, fifty seven points more on SATs, and forty six percent higher intelligence quotients. (Pitchperfect) Schools in the area of Lebanon Pennsylvania are very fortunate to have prosperous inschool music programs. The month of March is Music in our Schools Month and is celebrated nationwide by schools and students. Todd Narehood, a music teacher and director at AnnvilleCleona High School, points out that there are so many classes in school that are meant to prepare students for big tests, and are driven solely on books. It is good for stressed students to be able to

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take part in a class that is not so stringent, and much more fun. While musically based classes are so beneficial to students, they are also the first to be targeted when budget cuts strike. Narehood said, "I actually don't think that as much importance is being placed on music education now as maybe was once.(Rhen, Brad) Though music was once one of the four core courses or quadrivium, it is becoming less and less part of the natural school climate, and more in danger of being removed. (Pitchperfect) Teaching the fundamentals of music early on leads to a healthy life style, and a possible career in music. The pop stars that America idolizes would not be able to perform or record their music without an array of sound technicians, stage crew, and studio techies, who have all been trained in music and sound. Not to mention, the musician must have personally had a broad education in music and the arts. (Sound Crew) If society as a whole were a human body, then music and the teaching of music in schools would be its thymus gland: necessary, but discreet. The use of music in education helps to develop language skills, and the process of memorization. The practice and play of music as an ensemble encourages the building of teamwork and responsibility, as well as confidence in communication, and communication itself. Music helps people set goals and achieve them in order to gain delayed satisfaction, which requires a good work ethic and persistence. Listening to music stimulates the production of serotonin, the mind and mood regulating hormone. Participation in music programs increases learning and intelligence capabilities. The education of music is a beneficial addition to the core classes, which allows students to express themselves in different ways. Finally, Music education grows the musicians and pop stars of the next generation who will lead the culture of our nation. The teaching of music in schools is absolutely important to our culture and society.

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