learning for life

the benefits of music education are external and internal, varied and personal, and are typically overlooked when schools desire to save money. I was lucky to attend the school district I did, with music educators who shared their musical passion, knowledge, and time with students. weekly music lessons, theory instruction, with a selection of school instruments available - these treasures are not commonplace in every North American school district. music was incorporated into the flow of student life rather than added on solely as an after school activity and music educators were fiercely dedicated to the survival of their programs, working with administrators to seek creative ways for their continuation. ​

​by weaving music instruction into a child's life from a young age, especially in the context of public school, the child has the potential to be healthier. concerts that bridge high school and junior high schools, inviting a junior high band to participate in an elementary school fun day, and easing the transition between schools all contribute to a deeper sense of togetherness.  

​learning music helps with learning other subjects, like mathematics, and helps with learning how to work within a group context. a child who is part of a musical group needs to listen to the leader as well as other group members, follow directions, look for cues, and count. collaboration in a creative context, while the children are just having fun. 

as a student gets older, the lessons of music become more complex. phrases in Italian are commonplace, their meanings relevant to understanding the music piece. depending on the instrument a student chooses, they will learn techniques tailored to that instrument; wind instruments involve proper breath support, adopting the correct embouchure, and remembering finger placements; music education benefits the body and the mind.

integration of music into everyday student life also builds a vital social structure for those involved. while these are perhaps less measurable, such elements are just as valuable in developing healthy lifestyles into adulthood. when a school district takes this social role seriously, such as with efforts to keep communication open across all music programs, music can be valued as a viable lifelong pursuit. 

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