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The National Association for Music Education (also known as NAfME), has found that music can help develop language and reasoning in the brain, which is essential for young students. This can ultimately lead to higher SAT scores and grades in general. Learning and playing music can improve the memorization skills of the student because they must memorize notes, fingerings, etc. which can help in other areas as well. Aside from educational benefits, playing an instrument can build imagination and improve creative thinking. It is also a relaxing activity, which can essentially lead to a less stressful life. Additionally, playing in an ensemble creates teamwork skills.
Research was conducted at North Dakota State University regarding the benefits of music and main reasons why students drop these classes. They found that the benefits include higher standardized test scores, higher grades, and social environments which help to create friendships and relationships (essential for a happy life for us as humans). These undergraduate students also discovered that many students drop out if music classes are not required. Some of the leading reasons are that it becomes too hard, too time consuming and/or conflicts with other commitments, or just a lack of interest.
Research was conducted at North Dakota State University regarding the benefits of music and main reasons why students drop these classes. They found that the benefits include higher standardized test scores, higher grades, and social environments which help to create friendships and relationships (essential for a happy life for us as humans). These undergraduate students also discovered that many students drop out if music classes are not required. Some of the leading reasons are that it becomes too hard, too time consuming and/or conflicts with other commitments, or just a lack of interest.
Another study that was conducted at the University of Miami also found similar results. A couple different reasons why students drop out of instrumental music programs are financial problems and peer pressure from other students. Instruments are very expensive and not considered a necessity for some families. It also might not be considered “cool” to play an instrument.
The graph to the left can be found in a Music Educators Journal titled Grades 7-12: How Many Students Participate in Music? written by Morton Wayne. It shows the relationship between the grade level and the percentage of students who participate in music programs. It is clear to see that over 90% of students are involved in 7th and 8th grade, but there is a huge drop going into freshman year of high school (76.1% decrease). There is another decrease, but not as large, between 9th and 10th grade.
According to Richard Alleyne, a science correspondent from The Telegraph, found that playing an instrument actually changes the shape and power of your brain, ultimately improving cognitive skills. The specific parts of the brain that grow bigger are the motor skills, hearing, storing audio information, and memory.
Please take the survey at this link when you are finished reading.
The graph to the left can be found in a Music Educators Journal titled Grades 7-12: How Many Students Participate in Music? written by Morton Wayne. It shows the relationship between the grade level and the percentage of students who participate in music programs. It is clear to see that over 90% of students are involved in 7th and 8th grade, but there is a huge drop going into freshman year of high school (76.1% decrease). There is another decrease, but not as large, between 9th and 10th grade.
According to Richard Alleyne, a science correspondent from The Telegraph, found that playing an instrument actually changes the shape and power of your brain, ultimately improving cognitive skills. The specific parts of the brain that grow bigger are the motor skills, hearing, storing audio information, and memory.
Please take the survey at this link when you are finished reading.