The Use of Music in The Education System
The importance of music in the world of education can't be ignored. Let's learn more about it.

Music is not just an art form or a form of entertainment; it has the power to touch us on a deeper level and move us in ways that few other things can. Whether it's the pulsating rhythm of a favorite song or the soothing melody of a lullaby, music has the ability to tap into our emotions and help us express ourselves.

But did you know that music can also be a powerful tool for learning? In recent years, educators have delved into the many ways in which music can be incorporated into the educational system to enhance academic performance, foster creativity and imagination, and promote social and emotional well-being. From early childhood education to higher learning, music is proving to be a game-changer and a powerful way to engage students of all ages and backgrounds and help them reach their full potential.

In this article, we will explore the overall benefits of incorporating music into the education system. We will discuss its origins, importance, how has evolved through the years, and what is expected to happen in the future. So go on reading and unveil how this beautiful art can transform the way we learn.

From Lullabies to Learning: Tracing the Roots of Music in Education

Music has accompanied humanity since ancient eras, and its relationship with education dates back a long time ago. During the Middle Ages, music education was relegated to singing training until music notation was developed. Sometime later, when notation was created, music teaching moved toward a written approach.

In The United States, music education was first introduced even before American Independence because the Pilgrims arriving in Massachusetts spread the tradition of singing psalms. This resulted in the first American book to include music, a 1698 psalm book. Up to this point, the music gained greater relevance within religious contexts, and with it the relevance of music literacy.

John Tufts, a music educator from Massachusetts, published the first American music text An Introduction to the Singing of Psalm Tunes in 1721. Tufts also developed a system of pitch and rhythmic notation called “fasola notation”. Shortly after, he founded the first singing school as a response to music illiteracy.

As a result of the common school movement in the mid-1800s, music was brought in during the Progressive Era of the early 1900s to aid in the development of education. Before that, music was only seen as a way of entertainment common for genteel classes and mainly involved live performances using wind instruments.

The National Education Association (NEA) was created in 1857, but it did not have a division in charge of music until 1894. However, it was not until 1907 that a group of educators became involved in the decisions of this section. Phill Hayden, a music teacher from Iowa, suggested paying special attention to music in education. As a consequence, the NEA was revised and changed to the Music Supervisor's National Conference (now known as The National Association for Music Education).

Nowadays, the focus of music instruction is based on listening skills, music history, and performing groups among others. This new approach arose close to the turn of the century with the schooling era and is the way music education is seen today.

Unleashing the Transformative Power of Music in the Education System

Like many other aspects of education, music learning shouldn't be left aside. Studies have shown that exposure to music has numerous benefits for young children. For example, a study conducted by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California found that musical experiences in childhood can accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.

By listening to music, students are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary, which stimulates the brain and helps them acquire more complex language skills. Research published in the journal Psychology of Music found that preschool children who participated in music classes showed significant improvement in their vocabulary compared to those who did not.

In addition to improving language skills, music has been shown to improve memory. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, students who were taught using music had better memory retention than those who were not. This is because when students sing a song, they need to remember the lyrics, and when they perform, they need to memorize melodies and notes.

Moreover, music is a perfect way to learn a foreign language. Research has shown that listening to music in a foreign language can help learners develop their communication and understanding skills. In fact, a study from the Journal of Memory and Language found that participants who learned new words through song lyrics were better able to remember them compared to those who learned them through spoken language.

Another wonderful aspect of music in education is that it fosters working in a team. In order to create music, one is required to work alongside others which develops teamwork skills and builds relationships with people. For example, a study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found that participation in a high school music ensemble was positively associated with students' sense of community, self-esteem, and motivation to learn.

The Myriad Benefits of Music Education for Students

As shown before, music plays an essential role in a well-rounded education. Apart from the above-mentioned issues, this practice brings a lot of positive impacts to students ranging from cognitive improvement to personal well-being.

First of all, music has a positive influence on students’ mental health. The 2014 study “Want to 'train your brain'? Forget apps, learn a musical instrument” published in The Guardian, shows how cognitive skills can improve academic performance. In short, students who learn to play a musical instrument or have musical training present neurological benefits and may help to maintain an agile mind as they age. What is more, it also helps people who suffered from mental injuries.

Besides, a recent study found that music instruction can not only improve children's fine motor skills but also promote emotional and behavioral maturation. This improves emotional intelligence and reduces depression resulting in better self-esteem and increased confidence.

Furthermore, music instruction can be beneficial in terms of evolution because it is an activity that poses no risks and was the primary means of communal music-making in the past. As explained earlier, this reinforces the idea of teamwork which influence social abilities as well.

Moreover, students under music instruction have shown noticeable improvements in comparison with non-music students. Different studies make it visible that institutions including musical teaching in their schedules have higher graduation rates and attendance than schools without music education. In addition, students attending musical appreciation get better grades in areas such as math and verbal examinations compared to students who don’t.

Last but not least, although most studies focus on the relationship between music education and academic success, research from The National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that background music can be an effective tool for increasing emotional comprehension in autistic children.

Envisioning the Future: Expectations for Music Education

The inclusion of music in education has always been important. Over the years, the benefits that the growth of this trend has brought to students not only in the academic field but also in their daily lives are well known. From an improvement in the development of interpersonal relationships and general well-being to a positive influence on mental health, including cognitive skills and self-esteem.

The importance of music education is predicted to increase in the coming years, especially in light of the ongoing mental health crisis resulting from the pandemic. This is due to the significant positive impact that music education has on the well-being of young people. Technological advances may provide new means of incorporating music into education, such as the use of virtual reality technology, which can provide an immersive experience of music from different regions and historical periods. Overall, music education will remain a vital component in producing individuals with well-rounded personalities, exceptional language skills, strong emotional intelligence, and an appreciation for the arts.