Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. Music lessons have been an integral part of childhood since we banged on logs in the cave days. But despite this almost universal interest, many schools are choosing to do away with their music education programs.

'No music lessons' is a mistake

Training:

Memorization:

2. A mastery of memorization: Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond. Many music lessons in Halifax start with the focus on memorization. Students of all ages benefit from this type of lesson, be it a recorder, a piano lesson or a guitar lesson. Think of the number of lines performers need in musical theatre for example.

Incremental Improvement:

3. Music lessons throughout Nova Scotia helps students learn to improve their work: Learning music promotes craftsmanship, and students learn to want to create good work instead of mediocre work. This desire can be applied to all subjects of study. 1% better every month adds up quickly over a couple of years at a school of music. Maybe they will record in a music studio one day.

Physical benefits:

4. Increased coordination: Students who practice with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination. Just like playing sports, children can develop motor skills when playing music. Who has not marvelled a child's fingers flying over the keys at their piano recital or over the frets of a bass guitar practicing in their lesson.

Achievement

5. A sense of achievement: Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal. Students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement. From group to private lessons the progress through music theory, interaction with music teachers, engagement in performing arts to becoming a bachelor of music, achievement is a basis of life skill.

Engagement:

5. A sense of achievement: Learning to play pieces of music on a new instrument can be a challenging, but achievable goal. Students who master even the smallest goal in music will be able to feel proud of their achievement. From group to private lessons the progress through music theory, interaction with music teachers, engagement in performing arts to becoming a bachelor of music, achievement is a basis of life skill.

Life

7. Success in society: Music is the fabric of our society, and music can shape abilities and character. Students in band or orchestra are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime. Musical education can greatly contribute to children’s intellectual development as well.

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8. Emotional development: Students of music can be more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures They also tend to have higher self esteem and are better at coping with anxiety.

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9. Students learn pattern recognition: Children can develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of musical education. Playing music offers repetition in a fun format.

10. Better SAT scores: Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math for students in music appreciation courses.

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11. Fine-tuned auditory skills: Musicians can better detect meaningful, information-bearing elements in sounds, like the emotional meaning in a baby’s cry. Students who practice music can have better auditory attention, and pick out predictable patterns from surrounding noise.

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12. Music builds imagination and intellectual curiosity: Introducing music in the early childhood years can help foster a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity. Artistic education develops the whole brain and develops a child’s imagination.

13. Music can be relaxing: Students can fight stress by learning to play music. Soothing music is especially helpful in helping children relax.

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14. Musical instruments can teach discipline: Children who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument.

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15. Preparation for the creative economy: Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers, and these jobs may grow faster than others in the future.