“Students of music continue to outperform their non-arts peers on the SAT.” - College Entrance Examination Board
Students gain many benefits from studying music. Aside from enjoyment, music promotes self-development and growth. It helps relieve anxiety, tension and depression. As former US Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, simply puts it: music elevates children’s education, expands their horizons and teaches them to appreciate the wonder of life.
Music participation gives the students an opportunity to express themselves and helps them feel a sense of worth. As they try to connect with themselves, music actually becomes their bridge for connecting with others. Those who stick with practice on a regular basis become more disciplined and calm; thus, creating alertness, interest and concentration in their other aspects of school life.
It is sad to say though that music classes are disappearing in our schools. It’s not because children are not interested in learning music nor parents don’t give their full support. Here in Fitchburg, it’s mainly due to lack of school budget. Just like every other trivalities of Fitchburg life, money is the issue.
I don’t want to start digging about financial issues right now because that’s not really the reason why I’m writing this entry. As an educator, I taught music classes for at least fourteen years back in the Philippines. I trained choir groups and drum corps, facilitated theater arts workshops and produced and directed school dances and plays as well. I cannot comprehend why a good-size city in a first-world country like the United States need to cut the budget for music instruction. Schools should be able to provide opportunities for children to channel their energies in a more constructive way. Why can’t our schools just give to our kids their music, arts and physical education classes, sports and scouting activities, dances and plays, and even their long recess breaks back?