March is Music in the Schools Month. A fair amount of recent research supports the value of music as part of a well-rounded education. But, much still remains to be studied about connections between music and learning.
Recent brain imaging research shows a significant correlation between improved spatial relationships and math skills with music instruction in the schools. But even without additional research, many educators and parents cite the following traditional and well-known benefits of music instruction:
Music contributes to the school and community quality of life.
Music promotes the use of higher-order thinking skills.
Music is a way to understand our cultural heritage as well as other past and present cultures.
Music education promotes motor development.
Music encourages teamwork and cohesiveness.
Music fosters creativity and individuality.
Music education fosters discipline and commitment.
Music is a therapeutic outlet and "stress buster".
Music is a social enabler and predictor of success in life.
Hopefully, in this time of school budget cuts, school boards and superintendents will continue to fund music instruction and its benefits for all students.
Learning Activity
Assign students to select a type of music that they enjoy from the pathfinder below. Students should write a report of at least 100 words (or a presentation of at least five slides) that cites at least three resources. Students should address at least two of the following essential questions for critical thinking (you may add or substitute others):
How is this music genre different from others?
Who are some of the musicians who helped popularize this type of music?
What is some of the history of how this music developed?
Why do you prefer this type of music over other types?
What events or performances helped to make this music popular?
Pathfinder
Click the Arts icon > Music > Select one: Classical; Country; Folk & Traditional; Hip Hop; Jazz; Rhythm & Blues; Rock
