Is Music Education A Luxury Nowadays?

We all know that music is a very important topic all over the world. It is an expression of our ideas, emotions and our thoughts, and can be a form of communication, entertainment, or a form of art. It can be used to communicate with others, to entertain, or to create art. Music can be a very powerful tool, and it is important to understand why it matters.

There is literally no country or culture which does not have it. All of us are engaging with music, and we should be able to understand it’s frequencies and how they amazing are.

In fact, is demonstrated that music can enrich our creativity as children, and also help us perform better, as adults. There are a lot of doctors, researchers, writers, composers, musicians, educators & professors, programmers etc. which are listening to music while doing their job, to increase their productivity and focus with at least 10 to 30%.

Music helps us to express ourselves, to explore new ideas and to develop our own unique voice. But why does it matter?

Well, for one thing, creativity is essential for success in today’s world. The ability to think outside the box, to come up with new ideas and to solve problems in innovative ways is increasingly valued in both the workplace and in academia.

But beyond that, being creative is simply good for us. It can help us to reduce stress, to boost our mood and to increase our sense of well-being. And what’s more, it’s something that we can enjoy throughout our lives.

So how can we encourage our children to be more creative? Here are a few tips:

Encourage them to experiment: Encourage your child to experiment with different sounds and instruments. They may find that they prefer making music with their voice, or with a simple instrument like a recorder.

By doing so, you’ll help them develop a love for music and a greater appreciation for the various ways it can be created.

There are many benefits to encouraging your child to experiment with different instruments. For one, it can help them develop a greater understanding of music as a whole. They’ll be able to see how different instruments create different sounds and how those sounds can be combined to create a beautiful piece of music.

In addition, it can also help them develop their own unique musical style. As they try out different instruments, they’ll begin to develop a preference for certain sounds and ways of playing. This can help them create a signature sound that is all their own.

Finally, encouraging your child to experiment with different instruments can also help them develop their own sense of rhythm and timing. By trying out different instruments, they’ll be able to find the ones that best suit their natural sense of rhythm. This can help them become better musicians overall.

In summary, there are many reasons why encourage your child to experiment with different instruments. By doing so, you’ll help them develop a love for music, a greater understanding of music, and their own unique musical style.

Encourage them to improvise: One of the best ways to encourage creativity is to encourage improvisation. This could involve making up new words to a familiar tune, or coming up with new ways to play an instrument.

There’s no shortage of advice out there on how to boost creativity. Take a walk in nature, get a good night’s sleep, work in short bursts, and so on. But one of the best ways to boost creativity is actually quite simple: Encourage improvisation.

Why does this matter?

Because when we allow ourselves to improvise, we open up new possibilities. We’re not limited by what we already know; we can explore and experiment. We can take risks and discover new ideas.

And the benefits of improvisation don’t stop there. Improvisation can also help us to think more flexibly and creatively, to solve problems more effectively, and to build better relationships.

So how can you encourage improvisation in your life? Here are a few ideas:

1. Set aside time for exploration. Make a point of trying something new on a regular basis, whether it’s a new recipe, learning a new instrument, a new route for your daily walk, or a new way to solve a problem at work.

2. Be open to change. When something unexpected happens, instead of getting frustrated, see it as an opportunity to try something different.

3. Encourage others to improvise. When you’re working on a project with others, don’t be afraid to suggest that they try something new. You may be surprised by the results.

4. Embrace mistakes. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

By encouraging improvisation, we can boost our creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. And that’s good news for us all.

Encourage them to be persistent: It’s important to encourage your child to stick with it, even when they make mistakes. Making mistakes is all part of the creative process, and it’s through trial and error that we learn and grow.

So there you have it: a few reasons why music can enrich our creativity as children, and some tips on how to encourage it. So get out there and start making some noise!

Estimated reading time: 24-38 minutes. Contains 3.8k words

There are 4 Major Activities You Can Do Right Now For Developing Your Creativity:

Visualizing
Brainstorming and Journaling
Drawing & Listening to Music
Learning A New Skill (such as playing a new instrument)

In today’s topic, we will figure out if the music education should be prohibited, should be teached in schools, or just in those privileged.

Music education is an important part of a child’s education for a number of reasons. It helps children develop their creative and critical thinking skills, social and emotional skill, their physical skills, cognitive skills and even academic skills.

Music helps children develop their creative and critical thinking skills by teaching them how to create and interpret music. It also helps children develop their social and emotional skills by teaching them how to work together in a group and how to express their emotions through music.

Music education also helps children develop their physical skills by teaching them how to use their bodies to produce music, and develop their cognitive skills by teaching them how to think about music.

Finally, music helps children develop their academic skills by teaching them how to read and write music. For example, reading and writing music is a skill that can be extremely beneficial for musicians of all levels. Not only does it allow you to communicate your ideas more effectively, but it also helps you to understand the music of others. In addition, being able to read and write music can help you to sight-read, which is a valuable skill for both auditioning and performing.

There are a few different ways to approach music. If you are already a proficient musician, you may be able to pick it up relatively quickly by ear. However, even if you are not already a musician, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn. There are also a number of apps and software programs that can be helpful, such as Noteflight, which allows you to create and share your own music.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, being able to read and write music can be a valuable asset. If you take the time to learn, you will be able to communicate your musical ideas more effectively and understand the music of others.

As a musician, you’re always looking for new ways to improve your craft, and with the advent of technology, there are now more options than ever when it comes to learning music.

There are apps and software programs that can help you with everything from ear training to learning new instruments. In this blog section, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best apps and software programs for learning music.

We’ll explain why each one is valuable and give you some tips on how to get the most out of each one. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which tools are best suited for your needs.

So let’s get started!

As a musician, you know that learning music can be a challenge. But with the right tools, it can be a lot easier. We’ll explain why they matter, give examples and tips, and summarize takeaways.

1. GarageBand – This app is a great way to get started with music production. It’s simple to use and comes with a wide variety of sounds and instruments.

2. Logic Pro X – If you’re serious about music production, then Logic Pro X is a great option. It’s packed with features and is used by professional producers and musicians.

3. Ableton Live – Another great option for music production, Ableton Live is used by many professional DJs and producers.

4. FL Studio – FL Studio is a popular music production software program that’s used by many top producers.

5. Pro Tools – Pro Tools is a industry-standard music production software program that’s used by professional studios and musicians.

6. Reason – Reason is a great music production software program for creating and manipulating sounds.

7. Cubase – Cubase is a powerful music production software program that’s used by professional studios and musicians.

8. Reaper – Reaper is a great music production software program for those who want a powerful yet affordable option.

9. Studio One – Studio One is a popular music production software program that’s used by many professional studios and musicians.

10. Audacity – Audacity is a free and open-source music production software program that’s great for beginners.

These are just a few of the great apps and software programs available for learning music. With so many options out there, it’s important to find the right one for you. Experiment and find the ones that work best for your learning style and needs.

There are a ton of great websites out there for learning music. But which ones are the best? Here are our top 7 picks:

1. Music Theory.net – This site is a great resource for learning the basics of music theory. It’s packed with information and exercises, and it’s all free!

2. Piano World – If you’re interested in learning piano, this is the site for you. You’ll find tons of articles, tutorials, and resources to help you get started.

3. Guitar World – This site is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning guitar. You’ll find everything from beginner tips to advanced techniques.

4. Drumsets.net – This resource is perfect for anyone who wants to learn drums. You’ll find information on everything from choosing the right drums to playing the perfect beat.

5. Singing Lessons.net – This site is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn to sing. You’ll find lessons, exercises, and tips to help you improve your voice.

6. Music Education.net – This platform is a wealth of information for music educators. You’ll find resources, lesson plans, and articles on everything from teaching beginners to advanced students.

7. Music instruments.net – This is a great resource for learning about all kinds of musical instruments. You’ll find information on everything from the history of each instrument to how to play them.

These are just a few of the great websites out there for learning music. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and expanding your musical knowledge today!

Governments most of the time act in their own interest, and are not that inclined to support music education, or reform this part of the curriculum, for kids.

There are 2 national reviews in this regard, of music education in schools, which are dating from 2005 and 2013, where you can find out more :
http://www.curriculum.edu.au/leader/school_music_review_report,12505.html?issueID=9802

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/Music_Education_Final_041113_FJWsJhBy.pdf

What is a shame, is the fact that the majority of independent organisations are all neglected, regarding their efforts to improve the music education strategy, to ensure that all students can experience a quality school music program.

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best school music programs, such as:

– the quality of the music education program

– type of music program the school offers

– the cost of the music education.

The quality of the music education is important because you want to make sure your child is getting the best education possible. The type of music program the school offers is also important because you want to make sure the school has a program that is right for your child, and the cost is relevant because you want to make sure the school is affordable for you.

Here is a list of the top 10 best school music programs for you to consider:

1. The Juilliard School
2. The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
3. The Curtis Institute of Music
4. The Royal Academy of Music
5. The Colburn School
6. The Yale School of Music
7. The New England Conservatory
8. The Manhattan School of Music
9. The Peabody Institute
10. The Cleveland Institute of Music

In most states, what happens is that there is a cut of music education program, because of “lack of funds”, they said. In this case, the conclusion will be that music education is a “luxury”, and should be teached by private institutions.

A lot of those institutions are teaching music because is a cool & unique way to reach the harts of many, also their mind, soul and spirit. This is especially true in case of childs, cuz of stimulating their imagination & creativity in special ways. A music reach environment experience helps kids in their growth, and music learning supports, in fact, all learning.

The differences between public & private schools, in both urban & rural centres are huge. What is really frustrating, not only in the US or Canada, but also in Australia, the UK and even in some regions in Europe, is that the number of schools with no music education, or even no instruments available, continues to increase.

Studies show that there is also an increase in the IQs of those kids who not only listen music, but also sing, or take piano / guittar lessons (or on any other instruments) and are actually creating.

A lot of research & studies supports the idea that indicates the brain of a musician, works in different ways, that of a non-musician. The neural activity growth is higher in those involved with music, cuz they are using more parts of their brain in the same time (eyes, ears, fingers, legs – in case of drums for example).

There is also a link between spatial intelligence & music, which shows us that children can solve math problems even faster, thanks to music. But is not only that, but also solving multi-step problems in areas such as:
– Engineering
– Math
– Art
– Gaming
– Architecture
– IT – Computers (hardware / software)

Regardless socio-economic discrepancies among schools, is demonstrated that the ones with superior music education programs score much better, than the ones with low-quality or non-existing music education.

There is a growing body of evidence that children who receive superior music education programs score much better on a variety of measures than those who have low-quality or no music education at all. Period. One study found that students who took part in a high-quality music education program for just one year improved their math and reading scores on standardized tests by an average of three percent. Other research has shown that music education can improve cognitive skills, memory, attention span, and vocabulary.

In addition to the cognitive benefits of music, there are also social and emotional ones. Children who participate in music education programs have better social skills and are more likely to cooperate with others. They are also more likely to express themselves creatively and to be more open to new ideas.

Music course programs provide a wide range of benefits to children, and it is clear that they should be a part of every child’s education.

The way you can help, regarding the musical instruments part, is to donate your unused musical instruments to the right centres, or donate some money to help those organisation to acquire new ones.

There are a lot of studies, including this one below, which are showing the main benefits of music learning. Music simply helps us improve our cognitive functions, our capacity to work more efficiently and also in a more creative way as well.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0001679

Find out here more resources on the topic:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55819b54e4b063452beb22e4/t/5bce4ada53450aaa304c84ed/1540246234815/The+Benefits+of+Music+Education.pdf

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088665

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-athletes-way/201906/music-participation-is-linked-teens-academic-achievement?fbclid=IwAR22uqj18l_31V3x_3xFiq_O3e7DXI16JDd_FpgYnamxfolvv_djo_3BMJ8

The most interesting study about this topic is in children between 7-12 years old, with much better grades / scores in areas like science, math (and other areas where meaning, making, critical thinking, problem solving, reading & writing plays an important role), thanks to their participation in music-related activities.

Thinking and cognition are very much improved thanks of the music, as a lot of feedback, tests and assessments show. The motivation to learn is increased as well, thanks to the music.

It is a well-known fact that music can have a positive effect on our mood and well-being. But did you know that it can also improve our thinking and cognition? A recent study has shown that listening to music can help improve our memory, focus, and critical thinking skills.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, and it involved a group of volunteers who were asked to listen to music while completing a series of cognitive tests. The results showed that those who listened to music performed better on the tests than those who did not.

So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brainpower, put on some of your favorite tunes and let the music do its work!

Similar to programming, is better to promote in those music education classes the possibility of showing students to “learn how to learn”. Getting those reflective and reflexive skills is very important, cuz it will impact their behaviour and auto-evaluating their learning, in order to get much better in life, in what they do.

Students which studied music, will become better in interpersonal skills, and also will develop a much better emotional intelligence, study shows.

It has been proven time and time again that students who study music tend to develop better interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence than their peers who do not study music. This is because music requires its participants to be constantly communicating and working together in order to create a cohesive sound.

This communication and cooperation helps to develop students’ social skills, as well as their ability to understand and empathize with others. In addition, music also helps to develop students’ self-awareness and emotional control, as they must be constantly aware of their own emotions and those of others in order to create a successful performance.

All of these skills are essential in developing strong interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.

The importance of music is really there and it should not be treated as a “luxury” topic, cuz they will impact how people express as they mature.

Music Education plays an important role in developing a lot of intrinsic skills in people, and the neurological benefits are shown in a lot of study materials.

General education can be enhanced with music education program, cuz will provide a better experience, and more quality education system.

The Best example we can give here is the Finland, as a country, where music learning programs starts in kindergarten, as early as possible. In the primary school, Finland has an average of 270 hours of music education. This is significantly higher than the average for other countries. For example, in Korea 160 hours, while in other places, like Autralia / US / Europe, there are only 28 hours included, which is sad.

We have to say that Finland’s music education program is very comprehensive, and includes not only traditional Western music, but also a variety of world music. The focus is on developing a love and appreciation for music, rather than on developing performance skills. As a result, Finnish children have a strong foundation in music, and many go on to pursue music careers, if they want to.

Music has always been an important part of Finnish culture, and children are encouraged to develop their musical skills from a young age. Many Finnish children go on to pursue music careers, and the country has produced some of the world’s most famous musicians, including composer Jean Sibelius and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen.

The Finnish education system places a strong emphasis on music education, and all children are taught to sing and play an instrument from an early age. Music is an important part of Finnish identity, and it is not surprising that so many Finnish children go on to have successful careers in music.

What most of educators & professors are seeing right now is how the governments in general are considering arts and music in general as a “luxury”, only for those which are financially able to pursue, letting other “normal” students without the possibility of getting a proper music education, that could helped them a lot in their lives.

Most professors are starting in fact to equip themselves with compelling research & studies, in order to educate the students, parents, school councils, principals, local, state and federal governments regarding the importance of music education, which indeed needs some funding & support, cuz of it’s importance it has in life.

The growth and development of many kids is in the hands of some politicians, which view music education as a luxury, with normal music education being not well integrated in the already normal / state schools.

Most of the parents are aware of this thing, starting to elaborate their own research, and begin bringing people together in communities, to start changing things for the better.

A lot of music teachers are trying to support schools, with music programs that are cost effective, but most of the time, is very difficult in persuading principals of schools with no music programs, to even start their first one.

The most authentic experiences we can have in school, which are very practical, is by starting to learn a musical instrument, that nourish the emotional expression of human being. A holistic education covers more aspects, but of course music plays a very important part in this puzzle.

We find out that the genres of music with which students have the most emphasis most of the time is jazz and blues genre.

Starting to study your own genres at home is crucial, and also discovering many famous composers by yourself will be good. If you have a chorus at school that is performing, support that, or join it, cuz the more, the better.

The correlation between learning music & meta cognition is supported by many professionals in this field, and is an illuminating subject, worth pursuing. Simply put, being able to connect with the world around is much easier with music 😉

Students, which are seen as the workforce of the future, really deserve a better life, and the government inaction in music education shall end right here.

You can find below more studies & research around this topic here:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/tools-resources/resource/formative-assessment-in-the-classroom-illustration-of-practice

https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/citedby/10.1086/681947

Metacognition

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10864-012-9156-y

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/conversational-intelligence/201907/creative-cognition?fbclid=IwAR2fswY4GNdU6RMkuwqZAoRSO4pkwRe89NHbYsM7TPVhHz3ZPjR90IsHhjI