Written by
Ava Akbarian
Music in schools has many benefits for students. Approximately 90% of Australian parents believe that music is an essential component of learning.
Having your child experiment with music in schools will allow them to develop an appreciation and enjoyment for music whilst experiencing a range of mental, emotional and physical benefits.
Music learning is often the combination of listening, performing and composing.
Department of Education, Victoria, https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/arts/Pages/music.aspx.
Music in schools is a great way for students to experiment and learn in a different form.
Exposure to music can improve learning and increase a positive classroom atmosphere.
St Aloysius College, North Melbourne introduces the use of instruments through their Year 7 Music Program.
In addition to its rich school-wide ensemble opportunities, The Year 7 Music Program at St Aloysius College, North Melbourne allows students to choose an instrument that they are able to borrow from the College and treat as their own for the year. They will take this instrument home for practice, and bring it onto campus for their Instrumental Music lessons. This sparks passions, teaches responsibility and discipline, and culminates in the Year 7 Music Performance Evening where we celebrate the progress made by these young learners.
Encouraging your child to experiment with music at school is a great way for them to explore their passions and utilise school resources.
Studies have revealed that music can improve a young person’s sense of self-worth and promote positive self-esteem.
For many students, music in schools allows them to express themselves and feel valued.
At Meriden, music forms an essential part of each student’s education.
“The Music Department aims to foster a love of music in every student and develop the skills of our dedicated young musicians. Meriden’s dynamic cocurricular Music program ensures every student has access to specialist music teachers who develop students’ skills and passion for music. Many girls find a sense of belonging through our music programs, growing in self-esteem as they connect with other young musicians and develop their confidence through ample performance opportunities.” Mrs Jodie Spooner-Ryan, Meriden’s Director of Music (P-12)
“The Music Department aims to foster a love of music in every student and develop the skills of our dedicated young musicians. Meriden’s dynamic cocurricular Music program ensures every student has access to specialist music teachers who develop students’ skills and passion for music.
Many girls find a sense of belonging through our music programs, growing in self-esteem as they connect with other young musicians and develop their confidence through ample performance opportunities.”
Mrs Jodie Spooner-Ryan, Meriden’s Director of Music (P-12)
It doesn’t matter!
A BBC Arts study found that taking part in activities such as making music helps people build confidence, regardless of their skill level.
Music in schools offers many social and emotional learning benefits for students.
Music in schools teaches students mindfulness in the classroom leading to well-rounded individuals.
Music engages the left and right side of the brain, complimenting the student learning through:
Sensory integration
Increased attention
Critical thinking
Emotional maturity
Motor capacities
“For children and young adults, music education goes beyond music itself. Research has shown that music training and exposure physically develops the left side of the brain known to be involved in processing language. In addition, the social, and emotional benefits of music performance or listening can protect against anxiety and depression or at very least, can aid recovery. At The McDonald College, all students from Kindergarten to Year 8 are immersed in playing, listening, and sharing music of all genres. From Year 9 to Year 12 music is an elective leading to Music for the Higher School Certificate. In addition to the NESA curriculum, secondary students can elect to study our industry-based programs of music or musical theatre for a further 10 hours per week. These programs can lead graduates to tertiary study at The Conservatorium, WAPPA plus many more tertiary options both within Australia or internationally in addition to many varied performance opportunities.” Maxine Kohler, Principal at the McDonald College
“For children and young adults, music education goes beyond music itself. Research has shown that music training and exposure physically develops the left side of the brain known to be involved in processing language. In addition, the social, and emotional benefits of music performance or listening can protect against anxiety and depression or at very least, can aid recovery.
At The McDonald College, all students from Kindergarten to Year 8 are immersed in playing, listening, and sharing music of all genres. From Year 9 to Year 12 music is an elective leading to Music for the Higher School Certificate. In addition to the NESA curriculum, secondary students can elect to study our industry-based programs of music or musical theatre for a further 10 hours per week. These programs can lead graduates to tertiary study at The Conservatorium, WAPPA plus many more tertiary options both within Australia or internationally in addition to many varied performance opportunities.”
Maxine Kohler, Principal at the McDonald College
Other social and emotional skills from music in schools include perseverance, self-management, social awareness, decision-making and teamwork.
Students can express themselves, working through stress and anxiety.
Through music in schools, students can develop a sense of creativity and express themselves. This is an important part of your child’s development.
Music engages important cognitive skills including planning, reasoning, memory and flexibility.
Studies show that music in schools is a great approach to support other educational processes and development of students.
Participating in musical activities can also increase children’s I.Q. scores and success in school.
Participating in music in schools is a great way for students to connect with the community and the world around them.
Music at Xavier College has an important place within our Jesuit context. We offer an extensive instrumental and ensemble program, along with a comprehensive curriculum including composition electives, VET subjects which all run conjunction with our broad performance calendar of concerts and masses. Our students can create, interact and work across multiple year levels while listening, discerning and creating. We know that music connects our students with our community, our faith, and our world. James De Rozario, Head of College Music
Music at Xavier College has an important place within our Jesuit context. We offer an extensive instrumental and ensemble program, along with a comprehensive curriculum including composition electives, VET subjects which all run conjunction with our broad performance calendar of concerts and masses.
Our students can create, interact and work across multiple year levels while listening, discerning and creating. We know that music connects our students with our community, our faith, and our world.
James De Rozario, Head of College Music
About
Ava works as a Digital Writer for School Choice Magazine as well as a a contributor to the annual ‘Choosing a School Magazine’.