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July 1, 2008 FOCUS ON STUDENTS: Students Express Why Music is Important to Their Complete EducationFor the past eight years, students throughout the
These student essays are an inspiring reminder about why and how music makes a difference in the lives of young people. Students Say: One of the most compelling reasons to protect public school music education programs is that music has intrinsic value as a means of communication and cross-cultural understanding. And, it provides a reliable reservoir of pleasure, stress relief and creative inspiration. I speak four different languages
and the more I play, the more I understand why music is the real universal
language. There is no need for a passport to cross boundaries, just the
willingness of enjoying new frontiers. --
Luz, 13, When
my mother adopted me from a Chinese orphanage, I was almost three and did not
know English. Because my mother did not speak Chinese, we needed a means of
communicating not requiring the mutual understanding of words. Our first
connection was through music. Songs helped me learn English and, more
importantly, helped me feel comfortable and loved. -- Alana, 12, Students Say: Music
Education Helps Them Do Better In School Students’ expression of real-life experiences in this area adds credence to music’s impact on their school lives: Music
makes me think. It challenges me to work harder, not only in band but in my
other classes as well. -- Jiaan, 14, In order for me to become a good
young musician, I need to memorize the piece bar-by-bar and look ahead to plan
for the upcoming notes, accidentals, and rhythms. As a result of this musical
training, my memorization and organizational skills have tremendously improved.
I am capable of studying for tests in a short period of time. -- Benjamin, 12, I’ve learned self-discipline: the
days when I have to force myself to sacrifice my time and practice have
cultivated in me the ability to complete essays and other school assignments
when I would much rather procrastinate. I’ve learned motivation: the drive to
work out a difficult passage of music in order to have a flawless performance
has similarly appeared in my schoolwork, pushing me to do everything to the
best of my ability so that I can be proud of the final product. I’ve learned
teamwork: the communication, critique, and commitment that are required in orchestras
and especially smaller ensembles are also necessary for any group project or
partner exercise that I encounter in the classroom. -- Michelle, 17, Students Say: Music
Education Helps Build Self-Esteem, Confidence
When
I get frustrated, I take some time and play my saxophone (or guitar) to clear
my thoughts. I use the time management skills I learned to plan ahead on school
projects. Music has positively prepared me for college and for life. I truly
believe it should be a part of everyone's high school experience. -- Kyle, 17,
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Organizations:
Artists:
Scott Brady |
