WHY SHOULD YOU
LEARN TO PLAY MUSIC?

sketch of grand piano

Key Takeaways

1. Academic Improvement:

Enhanced Learning Abilities: Music education is closely linked to enhanced learning abilities, including improved test scores and numerical evaluations. It fosters efficiency and speed in learning, aiding academic performance.

2. Social Skill Development:

Building Relationships: Learning music promotes social interactions and helps in developing essential social skills. It fosters a sense of community and teamwork among learners.

3. Cognitive Growth and Awareness:

Mental Enhancement: Exposure to music boosts cognitive growth, enhancing mental capabilities and awareness. It aids in the development of various cognitive skills, contributing to overall mental well-being.

4. Artistic Self-Expression:

Creative Outlet: Music provides a platform for artistic self-expression, allowing individuals to explore and express their creativity freely.

5. Therapeutic Benefits:

Healing and Recovery: Music therapy is instrumental in providing tranquility and peace to individuals suffering from PTSD or trauma-based disabilities. It aids in stress reduction and helps reestablish victims’ connection to their surroundings.

6. Support for Disabilities:

Aiding Development: Music has proven benefits for individuals with traumatic brain injuries or developmental disabilities, aiding memory, communication, and task completion.

SOME KEY REASONS TO LEARN MUSIC ARE:

1. Academic Improvement

2. Social Skill Development

3. Cognitive Growth and Awareness

4. Artistic Self-Expression for Anyone

It is no secret that music has a wonderful effect on all that listen, and it is no secret that these tangible effects go beyond enjoyment and into the classroom as well. Over the last several decades, many studies have taken place showing just how important exposure to music and music education is to human development. 

Test scores, numerical evaluations, speed, efficiency, even verbal interactions are just a scratch on the surface of these findings. It is wonderful to note that regardless of the never-ending discoveries researchers are making, there are always more reasons for people to delve into the world of music.

Aside from massive cognitive benefits, music has been tested to demonstrate a unique sense of tranquility and peace for those who suffer from PTSD or trauma-based disabilities. 

Music therapy has been linked to reduction of stress, as well as the spatial recognition of “good and bad sounds” that can help reestablish a PTSD victims’ connection to their surroundings. 

This even translates to those with traumatic brain injuries or developmental disabilities, which is a community that we at Sloan School of Music are passionate about serving. Whether it is memory, communication, or providing a fun and ingrain-able way to complete a task, there is a long and growing track record of disability success stories when it comes to what music can accomplish.

sketch of musical notes

Here are a few links below testifying to the benefits of music education, from the education and science community:

Wired: How does music affect your brain?
Campbellsville University: 3 Benefits of Music Education
AMTA: Music Therapy Research and Evidence-Based Practice Support
VA: Health Services Research & Development

Benefits of Music Education FAQs

Music education enhances learning abilities, improves test scores, and fosters efficiency in learning, leading to notable academic improvement.

It promotes social interactions, teamwork, and relationship building, aiding in the comprehensive development of social skills.

Music boosts cognitive growth, mental capabilities, and awareness, contributing to enhanced cognitive functions and mental well-being.

It provides a creative outlet for individuals to explore, develop, and express their artistic abilities freely and innovatively.

Yes, music therapy offers tranquility, peace, and stress reduction, helping reestablish the connection of PTSD victims to their surroundings.

Music aids in memory enhancement, communication improvement, and provides an engaging way to complete tasks, supporting the development of individuals with disabilities.

Refer to the articles on Wired , Campbellsville University, AMTA, and VA for detailed insights on the topic.