Music is a way of life. Everything in our environment-the raindrops, the hushing wind, the flowing river-has its own sound that produces music to our ears. We encounter music in our everyday lives, and this music brings harmony and peace to our soul.
Music education is far beyond learning instruments, reading notes, and mastering vocal techniques; it is a deeper encounter with the environment and with one’s self. It provides enriching benefits to a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Here are the benefits of music education:
Music makes you smarter
A number of scientific studies concluded that music could enhance a person’s intelligence. Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner said that music intelligence is equal to logical intelligence, kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and interpersonal intelligence.
Learning music is as important as walking or talking; it is intertwined with our mundane activities and basic skills. Thomas Armstrong said, “Intelligence is galvanized by participation in some kind of culturally valued activity and that the individual’s growth in such an activity follows a developmental pattern; each activity has its own time arising in early childhood.”
Studies have shown the same result: the early participation in music can help sharpen one’s brain. Children who receive early music education have higher IQ, comprehension, reading and listening skills. Children, who learn to play instrument, or those with early music education, excel in academics than those who do not.
It relieves stress
The importance of music education is visible in simple things. Everyone suffers from stress due to unnerving tasks within the family, work, and school. The loads of school projects might have given you headache, and the pressure of performing your responsibilities at home could have gotten worse, but all these anxieties will go away once you’ve heard a soothing music.
Have you observed that music can relieve the stress after that long, strenuous day? After you tuned-in to your favorite radio station, you’ll suddenly feel relaxed and the music will wash out the bad mood you had.
What’s more if you can play an instrument? Playing an instrument can calm the mind and replenish your energy. Playing instrument can also help burst out your feelings, which is a healthy way in releasing your negative emotions.
It gives euphoria
Anyone can be good at playing the piano, a guitar, or a saxophone-but the happiness you get from discovering your talent is, undeniably, the best experience. Learning how to play an instrument alone makes you happy; what’s more if you can play an instrument very well. It puts on a big smile on your face whenever you learn a new piece, after all those sweat and tears you have sacrificed for about a month or a year.
Sense of achievement
Life gives a sense of achievement even in small things; thus, learning how to play an instrument is more than a self-fulfillment. The happiness and satisfaction you get from music is priceless.
Achievement doesn’t reflect on the level of one’s expertise, but the achievement he or she gets from learning music itself. It does not deal primarily on neither the simplicity of the piece nor the instrument/s you have mastered, but it deals with the contentment and the happiness that are truly worthwhile.