Actively learning and playing an instrument can help brain development, academic achievement, and cognitive functioning in children. Schools and curriculum around the nation are turning their focus onto the importance of S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering Math) education. However, there are staggering statistics, revealing good reasons why music education should be considered a priority for children of all ages.
- Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons.
- Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.
- In the past, secondary students who participated in a music group at school reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs).
- Schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 72.9% graduation and 84.9% attendance.
- A Stanford study shows that music engages areas of the brain which are involved with paying attention, making predictions and updating events in our memory.
- Young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory over the course of a year, compared to children who do not receive musical training.
As educators lobby for more time and focus on music education, parents can help their children get all of these advantages through music groups and private instrument instruction. "There is certainly astounding evidence that learning how to sing or play a musical instrument provides cognitive and educational benefits. However, the most apparent benefit to me is pure joy. I can hear energetic and happy voices in the lesson rooms as I walk the halls, and I know these kids are investing in something that will continue to bring them pleasure and satisfaction for the rest of their lives," Jessica Schatz, Owner and Director, Expressions Music Academy.
There are several music studios in the Birmingham and Troy area where children can take group music classes, lessons for various instruments, or vocal coaching. Many offer private or semi-private lessons, as well as the opportunity to try a lesson for free.
Birmingham
Axis Music Academy
283 Hamilton Row
Birmingham, MI 48009
Axismusic.com
248-258-9100
Troy
Expressions Music Academy
4000 Livernois Rd.
Troy, MI 48098
Expressionmusicacademy.com
248-845-4611
Anderson Music Co.
3790 Rochester Rd.
Troy, MI 48083
www.andersonmusiccompany.com
248-680-0010
The Piano Place
1307 E. Maple Rd.
Troy, MI 48083
Thepianoplace.com
248-619-9027
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Sources
1 Arete Music Academy. "Statistical benefits of music in education." Arete Music Academy. Accessed July 17, 2014. .
2 Arte Music Academy. "Statistical benefits of music in education." Statistical-Benefits-Of-Music-In-Education. Accessed July 17, 2014.
3 VH1: Save the Music. "The Benefits of Music Education." VH1: Save the Music. Accessed February 24, 2015.
4 The National Association for Music Education. "Music Makes the Grade." The National Association for Music Education. Accessed February 24, 2015.
5 Baker, Mitzi. "Music moves brain to pay attention, Stanford study finds." Stanford Medicine. Accessed February 24, 2015.
6 National Association for Music Education. "The Benefits of the Study of Music." National Association for Music Education. Accessed July 17, 2014. .
