Keeping Music in the Classrooms - Essay Example

Imagine a reality in which your precious children are less educated, less motivated to study, less focused on school and are underdeveloped and more violent. This is exactly what will happen if we dont make sure that music is kept in the classrooms. Music is extremely important to a child in various aspects and areas, among which are the psychological, behavioral, psychosocial, cognitive and other ones. The arts in general and music in particular are "important in a childs life and contribute to the development of the whole child". Music is actually at the core of any comprehensive education program, since it is so beneficial and contributory in many things other classes just cant address (Madsen, 2005). First, music is a lesson different from other typical lessons like history or math. Children dont have to memorize a lot of material or remember complicated formulas, but are exposed to another kind of lesson. This is why children are more willing to learn it and its also a part of the reason why they enjoy it. It is simple and children can understand it and participate in it (Bryan, 2005). Second, music arouses childrens imagination and takes them to worlds of fantasy and magic. It carries them to different imaginary places. It is, in a way, magical, and allows children to have a break from their hard day of studying, while still teaching them something else (Bryan, 2005). Third, music has no barriers of race, ethnicity, color and others. Through the experience of music, children can empathize with the feelings and aspirations of their counterparts worldwide. In a way, it unites them all, making them one group, instead of individuals separated or divided by their differences (Bryan, 2005). Fourth, music can be integrated in the learning process of other subjects, such as math, history and other subjects. For instance, in order to help children memorize facts, formulas or other material- songs can be used. It is known that it is easier for the brain to remember words or facts if they are rhythmic. If music is incorporated in the studies of other subject, it may very well improve students achievements in those subjects (Bryan, 2005). Fifth, it is known for quite some time that music has the ability to calm people, make them more relaxed and reduce tensions and stress. This obviously improves their daily functioning, and may assist them in their learning and could even reduce their levels of violence. These reasons and more stress how important it is to keep music in the classrooms, and how beneficial it is to children. However, many music programs in the country are being closed due to shortages in budges. If we are to prevent negative consequences to our children, we must find a solution and keep the music programs open, so they could continue to enrich our childrens lives and help them! Seeing as how the problem lies in funding and budgeting, I believe parents and teachers should be involved and try to raise money to prevent music programs from being closed. Still, it may not be enough for each community to fight in order to keep the music programs in the schools of its community open since music programs all over the country are at risk of being closed. What can be done to address this problem as a whole and in a wide perspective is to unite and work together to achieve this important goal. The founding of an association or committee or some other organization that will be in charge of this could be very helpful. Be that as it may, it is still a large step which will require many efforts, and while we should strive for that to happen one day, in the meantime we must fight for each and every school to keep its music program open. Money must be raised in order to prevent these programs from being closed, and this could be achieved in many ways. The music department of the school, along with other departments such could band together and raise a fundraising musical or concert, that will raise awareness to the subject and collect money for the program while also showing the community and school administration how valuable and competent the children in the program are, and how much it is important to them. To increase the revenues of this fundraiser, parents and teachers can help by making cakes, pies and other common foods which people would want to be. This will not cost anything, since the school or music department wont pay for it. Also, the children can help by decorating the selected place. They can raise the help of other art departments, or of whoever would like to help for the school. The participation of the art department could greatly assist in decorating the venue beautifully and colorfully and by doing so- attract more attention and "buzz" to the occasion. Selecting the place is also important, and it should be a place which is well known and has easy access to it. The place can be within the school, if there is such a place suitable for performances and large enough for a big crowd to be in. This would also save costs, as it is located in the school. If not, a local theater or some stage on which performances are held could also be used. Of course, the cooperation of the owner of the place will have to be achieved, and their contribution of the place for one night without renting it. One other thing that can be done to increase awareness and consequently the revenues of the performance is making posters or flyers of the performance, handing them out to people, and also hanging them around the town/city. Overall, the students, teachers and parents should do anything they can in order to raise money for the music program, and the idea of a show or concert is a good one, since practically everyone loves music, and a performance of school children is bound to intrigue and arouse interest in many people. The performance can also show school administrators they abilities and talents of the children in the music program, and may help sway them to keep it open, and perhaps even to allocate some funds to it. Anyway, this or any idea that can help save the music programs will be helpful, and since the cause is so worthy- it is worth to work hard in order to achieve it. We must all remember how important and beneficial the music programs are, and with which repercussions we may have to face should the music programs be closed. Music unites children to one group enjoying it together and takes them to world of fantasy and imagination. It also helps them study better and be more focuses and attentive in classes, since it relaxes them and makes them more calm and peaceful. This could also reduce violence levels in schools. Furthermore, incorporating music in other classes could help students learn the better. For all these reasons and many more- it is crucially important to keep music in the classroom. References Bryan, Laura (2005). "Play It Again, Teach: A Contingency Plan". Education, Vol. 126 (Issue 1), p. 143-147. Madsen, Nancy (2005). "Music: At the Core of Education". Illinois Music Educator, Vol. 66 (Issue 2), p.55-56. Read More