Drum Circle

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute.

Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Music also relaxes the soul and uplifts the spirit; thus, reducing the stress level on the body.

Here are 10 benefits of playing a musical instrument:

1. Better intellectual capacity

Researchers say that children, who play an instrument or those who are exposed to music, perform better in school. Simple tunes and classical music help students concentrate, focus their minds on the activity and retain more information. Studies also show that exposing the children to music positively affects their IQ, reading age, and the development of certain parts of the brain. An adult mind stays active, alert and has better memory when they play an instrument.

2. Discipline and patience

Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language. You need to practice every day and have the discipline to master playing your instrument. Music also lengthens the attention span of its player.

3. Relieves stress

Playing an instrument relaxes the body and calms the mind. Creating music can soothe the mind, calm tempers and even lower blood pressure. Music also helps in creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication.

4. Sense of achievement

Music helps build confidence and give a sense of achievement. It can be frustrating for a beginner to play their first piece. But once you have mastered it, the satisfaction you will feel is priceless. Hard work pays off in music when you dedicate yourself studying music.

5. Communicate your emotions

If you are looking for an outlet for your emotions, play a djembe rather than punch a punching bag. If you feel sad and lonely, play something slow. If you are happy and elated, play something loud and joyful.

Music also helps adolescents control their emotions and cope with difficult and complicated situations, such as peer pressure, pressures of study and family, substance abuse, the pain of loss or abuse, and the dynamics of friendships and social life.

7. Emanate your personal style

Have you ever tried playing rock “n” roll on a flute? Music gives the freedom to be your own self, be different, somebody you thought you could never be.

8. Teamwork

Musicians play with other musicians who make each other feel belongingness. They combine their talents to show off their musical abilities and make music they cannot play on their own. They share ideas and values to work together on sound, tempo and style.

9. Physical Workout

Music is also good for the body. It can strengthen your facial muscles, arms, fingers and hands, even your legs. Breathing on wind instruments can also improve your endurance.

10. Bragging Rights

Music is in. People cannot look down at you when you can play an instrument.

11. Fun!

Though it takes a lot of hard work, music is fun. It is the key to life. It can open up a lot of good possibilities that will definitely enrich your life. You will be able to share your skill with your family and friends. You can also play professionally

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As a young child, your first foray into art was when your parents put a single crayon into your hand. Pulling out pads of paper, you drew dogs, cats, and your family surrounded by a beaming sun and endless blue sky. Your first musical instrument could have been a butter container and a spoon, an activity put together by your mother to entertain you for hours. Whether a child is creating their first painting or dancing to a children's tune on the radio, Art and music have long since been thought of as the building blocks of learning.

When President Obama stepped into office, he let it be known how important it is to his administration that each child deserves to have a well-rounded education. As a parent himself, both he and the First Lady have established that music is a vital part of their Administration. The have put on Jazz Workshops at the White House for students, as well as hosted major music artists in concert as an effort to support the creative arts. Therefore, it is no surprise that various funding initiatives supporting the Arts have come from the Obama Administration within his first 100 days of service. NAMM, the International Music Products Association, recently hosted the SupportMusic Coalitions conference call with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Duncan discussed a recent letter that was sent out to schools and a host of educational advocates. The letter asked those involved with educating the students of our country to understand that the monies available under the State Fiscal Stabilization fund, as well as other grants and programs, can be used to develop Arts programs in schools. It has long been an issue that, in an effort to develop programs that focus on the core basics such as Science and Math, the Arts are left to the wayside. The common misconception is that the Arts play little importance in a student's education, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Why should Arts not be thought of as a broad part of a child's education? Although The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) has established that the Arts are a core academic subject, educators have been unable to come up with a way to 'test' the development of a child's ability when dealing with music and the creative arts. When budget cuts are to be made, it's Arts programs that often suffer. While discussing his letter with the SupportMusic Coalition, Duncan stated that "Only 57 percent of eighth graders attended schools where music instruction was offered at least three or four times a week." Duncan's plan to promote Arts education is to send his letter out to educators, and then begin to conduct surveys of school art programs. His goal by 2011 is to promote both music and art within elementary and secondary schools, as well as to allow educators to make better informed decisions when planning their yearly budget.

NAMM and the SupportMusic Coalition stress the importance of working together as a whole to change perspectives on the Arts in schools. Every educator who is making the decision to develop programs that promote music and creative arts in their curriculum is contributing to the future of a well-educated child. Those in doubt of the benefits of your school's music and art programs need only to ask the children who participate in them. Budding Picasso's and future Beethovens all begin with a single crayon or a twirl around the room to some much loved music. A well-rounded Arts education can be the gift of a lifetime.

Labels: Beethoven, Music Education, NAMM, Obama, School Music Program