Music Education Can Save Lives!

By Anthony Giancola

We all know the importance of music education. It's no surprise to anyone that taking music lessons has been proven to help in a child's developmental process. Music lessons aid in the development of speech and reading skills. Children who study music will find an increase in their school grades. 

 They have more confidence, discipline, focus, memory, and better social skills.

Music can save lives for children who don't find themselves fitting in academically in school, and haven't found their passion or drive yet. If a child struggles to find their passion, they often end up in less than ideal situations, (in trouble). Children need to find things they are good at an early age. "Some children need to move to think", (Dr. Ken Robinson). They can't be strapped to a desk all day long. They may learn better through visual examples, audio examples or they might learn better though kinesthetic learning. Some students learn better by doing. Finding a music instructor that understands this is imperative.

We have had many students over the years who come to us, and don't know what they like, or what they're good at, and they're not doing well in school. They have never taken music lessons before, and their parents are desperate to find something their child will take an interest in. Often, when we do find an instrument the student feels a connection with, we see a total change in their personality. If provided the chance, music does help direct students in the right direction. It's not just about learning songs or technique on the instrument. Music helps put a whole new focus into that student's life that was missing before. We notice a change in their whole being. Their focus completely changes. There is a complete breakthrough!! The student is more positive, proactive, confident, and we notice an increase in their school grades (and their interest in school). They are more concerned and focused about their future, and often, the friends they hang around with, if negative, changes as well.

"Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future."
"You are who you hang around with."

I used to hate hearing this when growing up, but now looking back, and after years of teaching and watching students grow, it's amazing how true this statement is. A great instructor can be this positive role model... this friend.

It is absolutely critical that a child begins to find what they are good at, at a young age. Don't rely on the school system to help find your child's passion. You, the parent, must play a role in this process and development. If your son or daughter shows an interest in music, spots, art, movies... feed that passion!! Buy them movies, magazines on that topic, take them to the library so they can find books about what they love, or bring them to a live show. Find someone in that field that can coach and inspire them to take it further.

Lastly, for your child to believe that they're inadequate, not worthy, not smart or will never succeed just because their school grades are low, is a huge mistake!!

There are numerous successful business owners who had C averages or lower in school, that are now running very successfully businesses, on an international and global level, that have those A+ students with bachelors, masters, and PhD's working for them.

Anthony Giancola
About: Anthony Giancola is drummer, percussionist and educator based out of Winnipeg MB Canada. He has performed and recorded with musicians from around the globe.
He is also the owner of Groove Academy - School of Music, located in Winnipeg, MB.
http://www.grooveacademy.ca

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anthony_Giancola/2316692

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9486887

How To Reap The Benefits of Music Education

By Louis Zhang

The benefits of music education are well documented: the right music in the right setting changes moods from negative to positive, improves interpersonal communication skills and develops intelligence. No wonder music education is increasingly popular.

Studies of Music Education Benefits

Music education benefits include everything from changing a students' mood to helping them solve math problems. It helps a student become successful in the school environment.

For example, a study was done that involved second graders and math. In this study, the school kids were divided into two groups.

One group used newly-designed math software to augment their mathematical skills. The other group also used this software but in addition the kids in this group received piano keyboard training. Results? Both groups were tested and the second group scored twenty-seven percent higher on the math exam than the first group, which seem to show the positive effects of combining music education into other studies.

Studies show that benefits of music education include a reduction in unsuitable behavior from students such as arguing and fighting. It appears that this approach helps them to relax and put them in a happier and friendlier mood. Other studies have shown that students who participate in school bands are less likely to use tobacco or alcohol products than students that are not exposed to any type of music education.

Other Benefits

Benefits of music education also include enhancing communication skills. This result has also been proven by some of the many studies done throughout the years. A student who is having difficulty concentrating may find it easier when music education has been added to the curriculum. Music education helps a student become more self-disciplined and able to control their behavior better, because it provides an acceptable form of self expression.

If students learn to study music successfully they can use the same method to help them study in other classes. They will find it easier to understand instructions. Added benefits of music education include increasing a child's creativity and helping him or her learn to cooperate with other students.

In newborns, music education is proven to help develop intelligence. Exposure to music helps develop reasoning and language skills in children when begun at an early age. In older children, music education helps them extend their knowledge of the world around them. Music education give children an avenue to contribute to society, which in turn helps them in life.

For more online education course course information on music education, visit i2lifeeducation.com, a premier site with free resources to help you choose an online education degree and find education grants, scholarships and student loans.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Zhang