Music matters

Dear Editor:

This letter is directed to every parent with a student in any grade between kindergarten and 12. The purpose is to bring to your attention the benefits of including education in music performance within your young student’s subjects.

There is no other school subject that requires so many simultaneous activities of the student in real time. These activities include reading, comprehension, counting, watching, listening, determination of fingering, and actively adjusting one’s playing in real-time. Think about how this helps to develop the young brain.

Furthermore, music performance develops teamwork, confidence, creativity, discipline and quick decision making. All these skills are beneficial, especially for students who are preparing for STEM vocations or may one day be leaders in their chosen field. Many studies have been published which confirm this view.

Above all, don’t dismiss music education as being suitable only for those who are seriously considering music or arts in their future. Music education is of no less importance than any of the other classic school subjects. If music education is not properly offered at your student’s school, then you may want to investigate the numerous other options that exist.

You may be asking why music education has been de-prioritized over the years by boards of education. The likely answer is that it is more costly than other subjects, due to the need for instruments and specialized teachers. A trombone is more costly than a textbook. But consider that cost to be an investment in your child’s future.

Steve Hornett,
Rockwood