IS MUSIC THAT IMPORTANT?

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #49 – May 8, 2010

Have you ever thought about what your life would be like if music simply did not exist? From the time we are born many of us are lucky enough to be lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of our mom singing. As we grow up, we learn so many delightful childhood rhymes and games set to animated music. What would it be like to watch a movie with no music to set the mood or introduce a melody one will remember always? What glorious sound would accompany those precision parade participants, students striding proudly into their graduation ceremony or a bride as she gracefully walks down the aisle? What could possibly replace Handel’s Messiah, Mancini’s The Pink Panther or Queen’s We Will Rock You? There are so many events and occasions, or even just for one’s own pleasure, where a musical tune is simply irreplaceable.

In a good music class, students learn about the historical events that were taking place when the music they play was written. They learn what the music was typically used for (was it sung? was it an opera? dancing music? for royal families or poorer ones?). So much of our culture is absorbed in music and has been for centuries.

Studying music also helps students with math and science. Students learn to count, keep a steady rhythm, and how to multiply and divide (to figure out how long each note is). Students also use science to help them discover what sounds good together and what doesn't. As they learn, they use prior knowledge to figure out what else might sound good together, which can lead to composing. Students also need science to understand something called the "overtone series," which Pythagoras came up with back around Medieval times. This theory is how music is produced by vibration and why.

Good music teachers also make sure their students learn a lot about languages. Many choral songs are written in other languages, including ancient ones. Students must learn to translate these works to understand what they are singing about. Some songs are famous literary poems or short works set to music; so students are exposed to that. Also, the markings in music (how fast, how loud, what style) are typically written in Italian. Students learn to understand a little bit of Italian in order to interpret the markings in their music.

Students learn an incredible amount of coordination through music -- it isn't unlike being an athlete. Students must use fine and gross motor skills in order to play an instrument. Singers and wind players must learn breath control and be in good shape to play.

Music education also brings higher thinking to our children. It allows them to think about complex patterns (where does my part fit into the whole? How can I make my part sound better? What are some tiny adjustments I can make to adjust tone or intonation? How does this music and these different parts fit together?). Students have to be absolutely aware of what every other musician does at all times. In that way, it fosters cooperation, as well. Music students learn teamwork and cooperation. No musician is independent of the whole, and yet each musician is a part of that whole, with a unique part and sound that leads to the brilliant sound of the entire ensemble.

As one can see, music is very important in our lives. It is frequently underestimated and thought of as "easy" or "play time;" not true.. Students frequently appear to be having fun while they are making music because music IS fun (though not easy). Music can portray any mood, and it takes a special, interested person in order to make it good. Music can lift one's spirits or calm one after a stressful day. These are just a few reasons why music is very important.

For those of you craving some research-based evidence, here are some facts and figures:
1. Students in high-quality school music programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the school or school district.
2. Students in top-quality music programs scored 22% better in English and 20% better in math than students in deficient music programs.
3. Students in top-quality instrumental programs scored 19% higher in English than students in schools without a music program.
4. Students in top quality instrumental programs scored 17% higher in Math than children in schools without a music program.
5. Students at schools with excellent music programs had higher English and Math test scores across the country than students in schools with low-quality music programs.
6. Students in all regions with lower-quality instrumental programs scored higher in English and Math than students who had no music at all.

MENC (Music Educators National Conference) Journal of Research in Music Education, Winter 2006, vol. 54, No. 4, pgs. 293- 307; “Examination of Relationship between Participation in School Music Programs of Differing Quality and Standardized Test Results” Christopher M. Johnson and Jenny E. Memmott, University of Kansas

So, what do you think? Should we continue to allow school districts to simply cut all music programs? Or is music that important?