| Why Study Music ?
Given the time and energy required from both child and parent why study music? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Music for its own sake
There
are many social, developmental and emotional benefits to studying
music. (Many of which are discussed below). But one of the primary
benefits has to be the learning to play music for its own sake. Music
is one of the most universal and deepest expressions of the human
spirit. Every culture has music and that music often defines who we
are. Music is also a means of self-expression allowing the musician to
express his or her own experience of the world.
As listeners we
are all touched by music but a full appreciation and understanding
comes only through participation and study. Making music enhances our
enjoyment and appreciation when we listen to music.
Music for Fun
Music
is not fun in the way riding a roller coaster or playing a new video
game is fun. The fun of music comes from mastering difficult skills
and techniques.
In his research of optimal experiences,
psychologist Mihaly Csiksznetmahalyi found that deep satisfying
happiness comes from experiences that promote what he calls flow.
These experiences are those in which we are pushed to the limit of our
abilities and yet are able to maintain control and mastery. (For more
information on this see: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,
Mihaly Csiksznetmahalyi, 1990)
Music often gives children their
first experience of flow. This experience teaches them that working
hard and practicing consistently can bring a joy much greater than the
immediate gratification of transient desires offered by TV and video
games.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Music
Self
discipline, patience, learning to take criticism, sensitivity and
concentration are all known benefits of studying music. What is often
overlooked are the social benefits for studying music. After a child’s
parents the strongest influence on social development is a child’s peer
group. For young musicians this peer group usually includes many of
the brightest and most disciplined children. This translates into less
drug abuse, discipline problems and higher overall achievement.
Academic Benefits of Music
Studying
music has shown to enhance abstract reasoning, increase verbal memory,
lead to higher SAT scores and to enhance the focus and efficiency of
brain activity.
Scientific Studies of the Benefits of Music
For a detailed description of all these benefits and more including the scientific studies to back them up visit:
https://www.menc.org/information/advocate/facts.html
http://www.steinway.com/noteworthy/education/value_music_education.shtml
http://www.increasebrainpower.com/benefits-of-music-education.html
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