Music & Our Schools

Always in the discussion of music, the thing that is brought up the most is the importance of musical education and how it can be implemented to improve students' scholarly performance and work skills, particularly in grades K through 12. I was even asked this question, several weeks ago in one of my blog posts: "How would you like music to be used in grades K-12?"

I personally feel that music should be a requirement that is mandated at every level in schooling. Every kid should learn how to play some type of instrument--whether it is drums, flute, piano or singing. The amount of self-discipline and determination needed to achieve musical goals are benefits that I feel kids can experience and improve upon while being involved in music.

Some would argue that people can gain this experience by playing sports, but I strongly feel that, though the physical aspects may be similar, playing music is not the same. There is a communal aspect to music--connecting with your audience--that isn't present in sports. This form of communication involves artistic expression and tapping into your own sense of individuality--figuring out who you are--in order to more effectively convey your message to an audience. Learning how to work with people is another skill that you inevitably pick up when learning, playing and performing music. You learn how to work within a band, with other musicians, with managers at restaurants or other performance venues and how to communicate with your audience.

This is why I feel that music should be a requirement in schools and not just an elective. More money should be allocated for the arts in general; not just music. This is first and foremost, a financial issue, but it is also apparent in this country that the same value that is applied towards science, mathematics and sports is not applied to music. This point of view starts with the parents. The parents are the ones who can encourage kids to figure out what it is that they want to do, to practice and work towards achieving goals, to make sure that the kids have good relationships with teachers and private instructors and to set the example themselves. The last point is the most important: setting an example for your kids. My mother was a full-time english professor so she was always reading and correcting papers, teaching classes and working on her own material, whether it was poems, short stories or a full-length article. Watching her work made me want to emulate her--her hard work, passion and independent nature were attributes that I strove towards and I still try to follow her example to this day. The parents are the first step toward a child's (and young adult's) success in the future.

All of this being said, I feel like music should be incorporated into every educational grade level (K-12). However, when students get into high school, music becomes an elective, being offered through either choir, ensembles, musical theater or band. Even in high school, music should be a requirement, focusing on basics such as reading and writing music, technique on the individual instrument and performance technique. The teaching of these concepts will inevitably instill aspects mentioned earlier: people skills, self-discipline, time-management and determination. That way, all students have a good foundation in musical knowledge, a deeper appreciation for music and the arts, and a good basis for working skills that will prepare them for the future, no matter what profession they decide to become involved in.