Music Plays Instrumental Role in Child Development

By Greta Compton

Children should be introduced to and involved in music as early and as much as possible. Many children struggle growing up due to poor academic performance or behavioral/developmental problems. Music, whether it’s playing an instrument, singing, or just letting themselves get lost inside the world of their favorite album, can provide an outlet for them to focus their energies and help them through struggles of growing up. Every school should provide each student that goes through their doors an opportunity to learn and grow in the world of music.

Before children even reach school age, it’s important to introduce them to music. Scientists have found concrete evidence that music can enhance the brain and sharpen hearing. Early musical training helps develop areas of the brain that are involved in language and reasoning. “Nothing activates as many areas of the brain as music,” said Donald A. Hodges, researcher and Professor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Once children get older, one of the biggest problems they face involves school. Sometimes it’s difficult for them to find something they like, that they can do well in. Other times, they lack the motivation needed to succeed and involvement in music can help. Students who get involved with music enhance their critical thinking skills and are more engaged in school, which means they are less likely to drop out. Through years of research, scientists have come to the conclusion that music has effects on the brain that impact IQ levels; children of any age who study music perform better in school than children who don’t. Outcomes of SAT scores also reflect the study of music: music students scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math.

Aside from educational benefits, music also helps children develop life-enriching skills. Through studying music, children learn the importance of making the best effort they can to achieve a goal. Teamwork and discipline can also develop through studying music. If they play music in a group, they learn that everyone must work together and work hard in order to sound good. Music can also teach kids to overcome fears and take risks. Learning to deal with “stage fright” when they’re young is a good way to learn to deal with anxiety when they get older.

With all the proven benefits that come with the study of music, it is a shame that the music programs are usually the first to go when schools are cutting budgets. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization that works hard to fix this problem. They are dedicated to restoring music education in America’s public school systems and raise awareness about the vital importance of music in every child’s development and education. Since 1997, the foundation provided $43 million worth of musical instruments to over a thousand schools across the country.

Something needs to be done to ensure that music will be available to young children sometime in their lives. “Music classes are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight,” researcher and neuroscientist at Northwestern University Nina Kraus said. “That’s a mistake.”

If you would like to get involved or aid this cause, visit www.vhisavethemusic.com to see what you can do in your area.