essay on why music education is important

The Importance of Music Education

By: Bred   •  Essay  •  901 Words  •  November 24, 2009  •  1,934 Views

Essay title: The Importance of Music Education

Imagine a world without music; it would be an extremely boring and quiet place to live. Music is found in every kind of culture and has been used for thousands of years as a means of expression. Music can deliver a message; it can be used as a vehicle for poetry; it can be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities, or it can serve as nothing more than entertainment.

Recently, many studies have been conducted proving that music is vital to a child’s education and development. However, many school systems have had to make budget cuts, and one of the first things to be removed was the music program. Music is important in education for many reasons. Recent studies have proven that taking music classes at a young age helps a child to achieve academic success and helps students to become more disciplined throughout their school years. Students who participate in music education programs such as orchestra, marching band, concert band, or drum corps are less likely to be involved in negative activities including drugs and alcohol. Music provides students with the opportunity to be expressive, original, and creative, and can also provide a better understanding of other cultures.

Throughout the past few years it has been proven that starting a music education at an early age helps students to succeed in other areas of school. Music helps children to develop better speech skills by teaching them to listen to the finer details of the way things sound. Dr. Ken Petress, a professor of communication at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, states that having a music education provides many salient values.

“These values include: self discipline, one needs to learn and be self disciplined to practice, take instruction and criticism, and to perform whether solo or as a member of a group; dedication, musicians need to be dedicated in order to spend the necessary time to learn and perform music; teamwork, in multi-person performances, musicians have to work as a team for their performance to be appreciated and valued.” (Petress)

Music teaches a child the intrinsic value of excellence. When a group of musicians are playing a piece of music together and someone plays a wrong note or rhythm, the mistake is obvious and causes the ensemble to sound bad. However, in many other aspects of life achieving less than perfection can be acceptable. Ninety-five percent is usually a very acceptable score on school assignments, but in music if you miss five notes or rhythms of every 100 that you attempt, the music will sound horrible, especially if you multiply that level of performance by every member of the ensemble.

Learning to play a musical instrument is difficult and time consuming; learning to read music can be as challenging as learning a second language, but the difficulty and challenge of mastering these skills can allow a person to be expressive on many levels. Simply writing words to a song and creating a tune to go with it can be a form of therapy that boosts self confidence. As Anna sang to Louis in the musical The King and I , “When ever I feel afraid, I whistle a happy tune!” According to a book entitled Getting Ready for College Early: A Handbook for Parents

• MLA 7  
• CHICAGO  

(2009, 11). The Importance of Music Education. EssaysForStudent.com . Retrieved 11, 2009, from https://www.essaysforstudent.com/essays/The-Importance-of-Music-Education/13436.html

"The Importance of Music Education" EssaysForStudent.com . 11 2009. 2009. 11 2009 <https://www.essaysforstudent.com/essays/The-Importance-of-Music-Education/13436.html>.

"The Importance of Music Education." EssaysForStudent.com . EssaysForStudent.com, 11 2009. Web. 11 2009. <https://www.essaysforstudent.com/essays/The-Importance-of-Music-Education/13436.html>.

"The Importance of Music Education." EssaysForStudent.com. 11, 2009. Accessed 11, 2009. https://www.essaysforstudent.com/essays/The-Importance-of-Music-Education/13436.html.

• Administrative office

The Importance of Music Education in Schools

• August 21, 2020

Home Educators Blog

The benefits of music education are immense and highly beneficial to students. Music positively impacts a child’s academic performance, assists in developing social skills, and provides an outlet for creativity that is crucial to a child’s development. Music education catapults a child’s learning to new heights, and because of this, it should always be considered a pivotal part of a child’s educational process .

Music Education and Its Impact on Student Learning

Music education improves and develops language skills in children. Music stimulates the brain, and with its varied sounds and lyrics, students are exposed to a large amount of vocabulary in a short amount of time. Music also provides exposure to other languages, which creates a foundation for the student’s ability to understand and communicate in a different language.

Music is a vehicle for excellent memory skills. Have you ever listened to a song for the first time in a long time and still remember the lyrics? Even individuals who are not musicians experience this phenomenon. Through catchy melodies and a variety of sounds, music has a way of “sticking” with us and is a powerful tool for learning when used appropriately — just think of singing the ‘A, B, Cs’ or ‘The State Capitols’ song.

On the flip side, students also increase their mental capabilities in multiple ways when participating in music education. As stated before, music fosters memorization skills. In addition to song lyrics, students must memorize all aspects of music when preparing for a performance. Students must recall rhythms, pitches, dynamics, and several other elements all at once. Students can then transfer those memory skills to the academic classroom and employ those skills in their studies.

Social Benefits of Music Education

The mental benefits of music education are extremely advantageous to students in schools; however, the social benefits are just as wonderful! Music education requires teamwork and collaboration . While playing instruments together, students develop listening skills. They must listen to others to better gage volume levels, the implementation of dynamics, and so much more. Teamwork and collaboration is also required when completing simple musical tasks such as rhythmic and melodic notation. Students quickly learn to value the opinions and ideas of others and how to efficiently combine those thoughts to complete the task at hand.

In addition to teamwork, music education creates long lasting friendships and relationships. Students involved in band or choir bond over their love and enjoyment of music. They share exciting moments together through music, help develop one another’s abilities, and become a support system for each other. This special bond also increases student engagement in school.

Music education allows students an opportunity to experience different cultures. In early music education, the use of songs and games from other countries is extremely prevalent. Students learn how other children play and compare that knowledge to their own lives. In addition, students develop an understanding of other cultures, which leads to a beautiful acceptance of others. Students realize that recognizing differences is good, and it creates a greater respect for others.

Other Benefits of Music Education

Music education promotes improved coordination, specifically hand-eye coordination. Musicians must multitask! They must do multiple things all at once, all of which improves coordination and further develops the brain. Student musicians must read music, interpret it, and physically initiate the music through the playing of their instrument. These steps are repeated continuously throughout any performance of a piece of music, and even the youngest of learners slowly develop their coordination skills through continued music practice.

Music education fosters greater work ethic and discipline in children. Students of music learn from an early age that hard work, determination, and a positive mindset are all you need to succeed, but with those characteristics, continual practice is required. Students learn that improving musical skills does not come easy, as it requires hours of study and practice. Through this, students gain a greater concept of work ethic and learn to discipline themselves to reach goals. Work ethic and discipline are huge factors of music education, and it is important to note that those life skills will positively impact a student when entering the work force, completing tasks, etc.

Because music education is an outlet for creativity, it can be a source of stress relief . Unfortunately, there are many stressors present for children at school and at home (pressure to pass the test, make the grade, make the team, exceed expectations, and so on). Music education allows students a chance to excel with fewer limits and greater possibilities. It also gives students something to look forward to during the school day (not that students do not look forward to math, science, etc.); thus, directly impacting student engagement in school. Music simply provides a different means of student expression, and there are fewer barriers to what students can do and explore. Students who are involved in music education generally have an overall increase in engagement and enjoyment in school.

The final benefit of music education may be one of the most important benefits. Music transcends the limits of language. Music has no language barrier. It is something that brings people together regardless of ethnicity or background. Music also transcends academic barriers as well. All learners can be successful in music. Sometimes, students who are not very inept academically soar in the arts! Students who cannot remember basic math skills can remember and employ the use of various rhythmic patterns effortlessly. Music literally becomes their best subject, and they shine in it! Through this, a student’s sense of self and his/her confidence is dramatically boosted. All children desire to be good at something and develop a sense of achievement for a job well done, and music education produces an outlet that is perfect for that.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

• #MusicEducation

Looking for a graduate program?

How Sustainable Leadership Can Create Thriving Schools

Should Teachers Have to Submit Lesson Plans?

Empowering Newcomers: Strategies for Successful Faculty Onboarding

We are here to help ..

Privacy | Sitemap | K-12 Teachers Alliance

Copyright ©2024

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. View our Privacy Policy .

Why Is Music Education Important?

This topic is one of the most important ones that occupy the waking hours of all passionate musicians and educationalists. Over successive years here in the UK, there appears to have been a deliberate attempt by politicians to dissolve education in The Arts in favor of a core curriculum that draws its focus on Science, Mathematics, and the English Language. While I am not in any way suggesting the absence of value in these subjects when they are placed and promoted in a manner that is detrimental to Arts, I feel there is a dilemma that requires action.

Why Is Music Education Important

There has been a significant body of research extolling the benefits of a musical education over at least the last three decades. The benefits of participating in music from the very early stages of life, and in some cases, pre-natal, are well documented. These benefits include things like the development of language and reasoning, increased coordination, furthers emotional development, memory, develops creative thinking, spatial intelligence, and teamwork to highlight but a few key areas.

The unique element that music education seems to offer is developed in areas that few other subjects do and noticeable improvement with ability in these different subjects. If you remain unconvinced so far, then take a moment to reflect on what Chinese philosopher and poet Confucius wrote: “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

One of the paramount considerations when thinking about music education is that it offers children the opportunity to participate in music; to be actively involved. This to my mind is of particular relevance today when so many of the activities that children engage in are passive and undertaken through an interface such as a phone, iPad, or computer. Even though tens of thousands of children listen to music, it is being presented with a chance to participate in music and its creation that is extremely valuable. It allows interacting with other participants, uses your imagination, and develops new skills. This, in turn, can lead to improved self-esteem, alongside simply having a lot of creative fun.

Consider the skills that are used when you learn to play an instrument. For any instrument you may choose, it requires a whole raft of abilities, all of which grow and develop during the learning process. Hand-eye coordination, reading musical notation, (essentially a learning a new kind of language), working with melody, harmony and rhythm are but a small selection of skills you acquire during instrumental learning. Learning an instrument involves engaging in a deeper way of listening to and participating in music. If you have the chance to play your instrument with a teacher or other students, then the benefits increase and the demands on the individual student in conjunction. This requires considerable focus from the student, and this alone can yield huge and lasting value across all the subjects that children study at school.

All the work and concentration involved may sound counter-productive, especially after of during a busy day. Still, numerous musicians at all levels find that the practice of playing or indeed writing music can be genuinely relaxing. For many, it is that concentration alongside the heightened awareness of practice that brings a more relaxed state. Perhaps it is also the knowledge that you are positively occupied in a creative activity that can create calm and a sense of peace. If you watch a jazz musician when they are deep into a solo passage, improvising freely from their hearts and minds, you may notice their eyes are closed, and a look of focused serenity covers their face. It could be viewed even as a kind of meditation allowed to flourish through the play of rhythms, melodies, and harmonies with each other.

The curious aspect of music is that it is us that make it. By this, I mean that a scientist can tell you the frequency of a pitch or series of pitches, but it is the human brain that constructs these pitches into a melody. Likewise, the musical elements that create a composition taken as individuals’ components can be explained in a variety of ways through science, but only when they are assigned meaning by human beings do they truly become what is recognized as music. This gives the music an extraordinary place in the human psyche that travels back to our furthest ancestors. The inclusion of music into any learning environment is utterly essential, even a fundamental human need.

Music can break down social barriers and can push aside prejudice. Consider how jazz began to bring together the black and white community in America at the turn of the 20 th Century. This is a generalization in some respects, but the integration of two distinct genres of music into what became called ‘ragtime’, made a significant contribution to the dissolution of segregation. In education, music offers a forum for children of every ability and background to join in, be part of something creative, form new friendships, and develop a vast range of essential skills.

Music connects people by celebrating cultural differences through the commonality of the art itself. In broad terms, this kind of musical fusion can link almost any unconnected genres of music by recognizing the similar elements of rhythm, melody, form, texture, dynamics that underpin all music. Come of the most notable compositions of the 19 th , 20 th, and 21 st -century compositions have been conceived through the influence of other cultures. It has become a central part of the continuing evolution of music and children, through music education, can be part of this.

Imagine for a moment what the world would be like without music. For me, it’s impossible to imagine, but if the music were not art, then there would be such a cultural black hole as to require a reinvention of what it means to be human. If you find this an unacceptable position, then think about the music industry, the enormous revenue it generates, the jobs it provides, and the wide variety of entertainment and culture it offers. According to ‘ UK Music ’, the ‘true’ value of the economic music industry is £3.5 billion. This takes into account the revenue that can be traced and adequately accounted for, but never the less represents a significant figure in one country alone.

Music education should be at the very heart of our learning community. Without music, the world could not function, and as Nietzsche claimed, “(Music’s) main purpose, however, is to lead our thoughts upward, so that it elevates us, even deeply moves us”.

2 thoughts on “Why Is Music Education Important?”

Why cannot the UK learn from the hard lessons learned here in the US? In spite of the stacks and stacks of research validating what is in this article, school districts cut music first as a result of their fiscal irresponsibile practices and test scores do not improve. Ugh. Music in Europe and Asia is a major factor, I believe, is what gives you guys the edge in education.

Great job drawing our attention to the many benefits music education offers the academics at large. I’ll like to add how pluralistic societies are affected by varying religious beliefs on the use of music. However, music has a track-record of triggering academic excellence coupled with ease.

Given this, I strongly employ all stakeholders to embrace the possibilities it offers.

Great job and well done with this article and site at large!

Leave a Comment

The Importance of Music in School Curriculum Essay

Music has been an integral part of education since time immemorial. The ancient Greeks considered teaching music just as important as teaching science. Students can benefit immensely from learning music, as it encourages creative and practical thinking. Of late, schools, responding to budgetary constraints have opted to remove music from the school’s curriculum. Such steps will only prove detrimental to the overall growth and personality development of the students. This essay attempts to explain the importance of music in the school curriculum.

The language of music is universal. It transcends language and cultural barriers and provides a common medium for people from different parts of the world to interact. One may not understand the lyrics, but if the melody or the musical composition appeals to one’s ears, it is liked and appreciated. Music helps students broaden their horizons, increase their general knowledge and develop an understanding of the world, people and cultures.

Learning music is not easy. It requires discipline, patience, and tenacity to succeed. All these qualities are required for the student to succeed later in life. Playing musical instruments develops hand-eye coordination and is especially useful if music is taught right from kindergarten. The other values, which learning music instills amongst children are cultural sensitivity, humility, and the need for continuous self-improvement. It is easier to teach kindergarten children through music. Young children pick up language, vocabulary, ideas, and concepts much more quickly when taught in a sing-along manner. Nursery rhymes are part of that form of teaching. However, the effect of music on the mind is much more than just ‘sing along’ techniques. It affects the student’s mental capabilities.

Teachers and scientists have observed that there seems to be a connection between music and mathematical abilities. (Beer 2 ) states that “ Research has proved that children playing piano often show improved reasoning skills like those applied in solving jigsaw puzzles, playing chess or conducting mathematical deductions”. Dickinson in her internet article “Music and the Mind” states that:

Recently some reports have appeared that attest to the connection between music and academic achievement. In a study of the ability of fourteen-year-old science students in seventeen countries, the top three countries were Hungary, the Netherlands, and Japan. All three include music throughout the curriculum from kindergarten through high school.

Dickinson further emphasizes in the same article that ” the schools who produced the highest academic achievement in the United States today are spending 20 to 30% of the day on the arts, with special emphasis on music”.

Not only does music seem to have a connection with improving mathematical ability, but it is also known to improve social skills and coping skills in individuals. Social skills improve because playing music in a band helps children learn about team effort. It helps them to realize that achieving a goal requires collaboration, adjustment, and accommodation with other individuals in the group. It helps build bonds and interpersonal relationships.

We all make good friends and some of those friendships carry on over a lifetime. Having music in the school curriculum also helps identify budding talent early. Many young musicians who played in school bands or choirs, later on, made a career out of music. These include not only musicians in the Pop and Rock genre, but also professionals in western classical music. Having music in the school curriculum gives the students a job avenue later on in life.

Music has therapeutic value. Many an introverted child has benefited by playing music in a school band, choir, or other forms of musical activity. Music also helps the hyperactive and the depressed. Melodious slow music has a calming, soothing effect and helps students get over the stresses of work. The number of studies that any child has to do has not decreased. The unrelenting pressure and high expectations of the parents require a safety valve. Music and other performing arts are just the right kinds of release. Children from broken homes have very low family ideals. Music helps them relate to others and builds ideas of companionship.

Places or localities where racial tensions have known to exist can find help through music. Since music knows no barriers, race relations improve. One example is “jammin’ or rap contests where children of different races pit their musical skills against each other instead of fighting with guns, knives, or bricks. It is well-known fact of speech therapy that group training sessions such as a choir can help a child with a minor speech disability overcome the problem.

Some schools even use music innovatively, such as combining music with the hitherto, considered boring lessons such as History and Geography. Musical lessons are easier to assimilate; after all, lyrics of favorite songs are easily remembered without really trying hard. The importance of music in special schools is even more accentuated as the therapeutic effect of music helps calm down special children.

Music also has an important role to play in strengthening religious beliefs and anchoring children’s faith in god. While in the United States, every citizen is free to practice their religion or even deny the existence of God, religious music and Sunday church choirs have an undeniable part to play in the overall development of a child. According to (Yount 2), “the study of the history of music (and particularly the music of the Christian era) can enhance our cultural identity as Christians”.

Schools and institutions have all understood the importance of music in a child’s development. Some bodies have even gone public to encourage schools to continue keeping music in their curriculum. The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), on its website, states that “Providing an environment of acceptance for all students through music—even for one hour per day—is a first step toward connecting with students from all backgrounds and helping them to develop healthy life skills”. In the US, they are a powerful body that can influence authorities and school boards to desist from removing music out of the school curriculum and have made a significant contribution in making many a school changes their minds.

Music, therefore, plays an important role in the overall development of the students. Music helps young children learn vocabulary faster, has been shown to increase mathematical ability amongst those students who practice music, and has proved to be a useful team-building tool. Music helps students understand the world better. It helps them develop values such as hard work, patience, tenacity, humility, and self-discipline. Music is a stress buster and has a great therapeutic effect.

Schools that have persisted with music in their curriculum have shown better academic results. The introduction of music in the school curriculum has helped identify many a budding ‘Mozart’ thus helping students progress a musical career. Music in schools has helped bring down juvenile delinquencies by providing the students a medium to forget their differences and band together. The conclusion, therefore, is that music must continue to form part of every school’s curriculum and not be made a victim to budgetary constraints.

Works Cited

Beer, Michael. “How do Mathematics and Music Relate to Each Other”. 1998. Home page. Drexel University. Web.

Dickinson, Dee. “ Music and the Mind”. 1993. New Horizons. Web.

NAESP Website. “The Importance of Music Education in the Middle School Curriculum”. 2007. NAESP. Web.

Yount, Laura A. “The Importance of Music in the Christian Classical Curriculum”. 2004. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, November 1). The Importance of Music in School Curriculum. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-music-in-school-curriculum/

"The Importance of Music in School Curriculum." IvyPanda , 1 Nov. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-music-in-school-curriculum/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'The Importance of Music in School Curriculum'. 1 November.

IvyPanda . 2023. "The Importance of Music in School Curriculum." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-music-in-school-curriculum/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Importance of Music in School Curriculum." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-music-in-school-curriculum/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Importance of Music in School Curriculum." November 1, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-importance-of-music-in-school-curriculum/.

• The Three Choirs Vineyard
• Choir Conducting Quality Analysis
• Effects of Full-day Kindergarten on Achievement
• Pomona College Choir Classical Music Concert
• Comparing Kindergarten Programs in the US to the UK
• Education: Bilingual Kindergarten
• Genesis Gospel Choir at the Lehman Center Recital Hall: Pushing the Envelope of Gospel Music
• Abstract for Choral Article
• Pre-Schooling Before Kindergarten Admission
• Phonemic Awareness and Word Recognition in Kindergarten
• Curriculum Design. No Child Left Behind Act
• Ideal Curriculum for a Business Management Course
• No Child Left Out Act: Curriculum Development
• Standards-Based Curriculum in the Elementary School
• Character Education Curriculum in Elementary Schools

The Importance of Music Education

What if there was one activity that could benefit every student in every school across the nation? An activity that could improve grades and scores on standardized testing? An activity that would allow students to form lasting friendships? An activity that would help students become more disciplined and confident?

Fortunately, there is such an activity. Unfortunately, many schools will not make it a part of their curriculum, due to issues of funding and scheduling. This activity is something that everyone is aware of, but not everyone has a chance to participate in. This activity is music.

For years, music classes have been the ugly ducklings of school curriculums—the last courses to be added, the first courses to be cut. They have always taken second place to traditional academic classes. Music, however, has proved itself to be extremely beneficial time and time again, from the undeniable improvement in grades regarding traditional academic classes to the glowing remarks from music students everywhere. In an ever-changing world, the addition of music education in schools needs to be next on the academic agenda.  Music education should be a required component in all schools due to the proven academic, social, and personal benefits that it provides.

According to the No Child Left Behind Act, the following are defined as, “core academic subjects”: English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, the arts [emphasis added], history, and geography ( Benefits of the Study 1). Although music, being a part of the arts, is supposedly on the same level as other academic subjects, it is not being treated as such.

Music education greatly enhances students’ understanding and achievement in non-musical subjects. For example, a ten-year study, which tracked over 25,000 middle and high school students, showed that students in music classes receive higher scores on standardized tests than students with little to no musical involvement. The musical students scored, on average, sixty-three points higher on the verbal section and forty-four points higher on the math sections of the SATs than non-music students (Judson). When applying to colleges, these points could be the difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection letter.

Furthermore, certain areas of musical training are tied to specific areas of academics; this concept is called transfer. According to Susan Hallam, “Transfer between tasks is a function of the degree to which the tasks share cognitive processes” (5-6). To put this simply, the more related two subjects are, the more transfer will ensue. This can be evidenced with the correlation between rhythm instruction and spatial-temporal reasoning, which is integral in the acquisition of important math skills. The transfer can be explained by the fact that rhythm training emphasizes proportions, patterns, fractions, and ratios, which are expressed as mathematical relations (Judson). Transfer can be seen in other academic subjects as well. For example, in a 2000 study of 162 sixth graders, Ron Butzlaff concluded that students with two or three years of instrumental music experience had significantly better results on the Stanford Achievement Test (a verbal and reading skills test) than their non-musical counterparts (qtd. in Judson). This experiment demonstrates that music can affect improvement in many different academic subjects. All in all, it can be shown that music education is a worthwhile investment for improving students’ understanding and achievement in academic subjects.

Related to academic achievement is success in the workforce. The Backstreet Boys state that, “Practicing music reinforces teamwork, communication skills, self-discipline, and creativity” ( Why Music? ). These qualities are all highly sought out in the workplace. Creativity, for example, is, “one of the top-five skills important for success in the workforce,” according to Lichtenberg, Woock, and Wright (Arts Education Partnership 5). Participation in music enhances a student’s creativeness. Willie Jolley, a world-class professional speaker, states that his experience with musical improvisation has benefited him greatly regarding business. Because situations do not always go as planned, one has to improvise, and come up with new strategies (Thiers, et. al). This type of situation can happen in any job; and when it does, creativity is key. Similarly, music strengthens a person’s perseverance and self-esteem—both qualities that are essential in having a successful career (Arts Education Partnership 5). Thus, music education can contribute to students’ future careers and occupational endeavors.

Participation in music also boasts social benefits for students. Music is a way to make friends. Dimitra Kokotsaki and Susan Hallam completed a study dealing with the perceived benefits of music; in their findings they wrote, “Participating in ensembles was also perceived as an opportunity to socialize with like-minded people, make new friends and meet interesting people, who without the musical engagement they would not have had the opportunity to meet” (11). Every time a student is involved in music, they have the chance to meet new people, and form lasting friendships.

Likewise, in a study by Columbia University, it was revealed that students who participate in the arts are often more cooperative with teachers and peers, have more self-confidence, and are better able to express themselves (Judson). Through one activity, a student can reap all of these benefits, as well as numerous others. Moreover, the social benefits of music education can continue throughout a student’s life in ways one would never suspect. An example of this would be that “students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs among any other group in our society” (Judson). By just participating in a fun school activity, students can change their lives for the better. Music education can help students on their journey to success.

Chinese philosopher Confucius once stated, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without” (Arts Education Partnership 1). Music education provides personal benefits to students that enrich their lives. In the study of perceived benefits of music by Dimitra Kokotsaki and Susan Hallam, it was found that “participating in an ensemble enhanced feelings of self-achievement for the study’s participants, assisted individuals in overcoming challenges, built self-confidence, and raised determination to make more effort to meet group expectations regarding standards of playing” (12). In an ensemble, every member is equally important, from the first chair to the last chair. Thus every person must be able to play all of their music and be ready for anything. When one person does not practice their music and comes to rehearsal unprepared, it reflects upon the whole ensemble. Needless to say, no one wants to be that person. So students take it upon themselves to show that they want to be there and come prepared. This type of attitude continues throughout students’ lives.

Furthermore, group participation in music activities can assist in the development of leadership skills (Kokotsaki and Hallam 13). One participant in the perceived benefits of music study stated that, “I have gained confidence in my leadership skills through conducting the Concert Band” (Kokotsaki and Hallam 28). Conducting an ensemble is just one of the many leadership opportunities available to music students.

Music can also be a comforting activity to many students. High school senior and school band member Manna Varghese states that for her, music is a way to relieve stress. When she is angry or frustrated, she likes to play flute or piano to relax. For students, music classes are not necessarily something they participate in for a grade, or to put on a college application. Students participate in music classes because they enjoy them and want to be there.

Even though it has been proven that music education benefits students, many people argue that it still should not be required in schools. They state that with the increasing importance placed on standardized testing, there is not enough class time to include music classes (Abril and Gault 68). However, it has been shown that the time students spend in music classes does not hinder their academic success. A study by Hodges and O’Connell found that “being excused from non-musical classes to attend instrumental lessons does not adversely affect academic performance” (Hallam 14). Thus, in reality, having students enroll in music classes would not be detrimental to their academic performance, and the students would then be able to reap all of the benefits that come with music education. Furthermore, funding for music education is an issue at many schools. The people in charge of determining funding for schools often choose to fund traditional academic classes over arts programs. Paul Harvey states, “Presently, we are spending twenty-nine times more on science than on the arts, and the result so far is worldwide intellectual embarrassment” (Hale 8). Clearly, the current system for the allocation of funds for schools is not adequate. By transferring some of the funding from traditional academic classes to music classes, this embarrassment could be avoided. Evidently, although some may try to argue against it, music education should be required in all schools.

What would life be like without music? Imagine it for a moment. No listening to music on the radio on a long drive. No music to dance to. There would not be any soundtracks in movies, and concerts and musicals would be nonexistent. Eventually, no one would even remember what music is. Many people do not realize it, but music has a bigger effect on their lives than they may think, and they would definitely care if it was to disappear. Without music, life would never be the same. To keep music alive, students must be educated about it in schools. Students will not only get to experience and enjoy what music has to offer, but will reap the innumerable benefits that come with music. Ancient Greek philosopher and teacher Plato said it best: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to imagination, and life to everything.”

Works Consulted

Abril, Carlos A., and Brent M. Gault. “The State of Music in Secondary Schools: The Principal’s Perspective.” Journal of Research in Music Education 56.1 (2008): 68-81. JSTOR . Web. 19 Oct. 2013.

Arts Education Partnership, comp. Music Matters: How Music Education Helps Students Learn, Achieve, and Succeed . Washington D.C.: n.p., 2011. Print.

Hale, Donna Sizemore. “Stay Involved to Protect the Arts.” American String Teacher 63.3 (2013): 8. ProQuest . Web. 19 Oct. 2013.

Hallam, Susan. “The power of music: its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people.” International Journal of Music Education 28.3 (2010): 269-89. Print.

Judson, Ellen. “The Importance of Music.” Music Empowers Foundation . N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Oct. 2013.

Kokotsaki, Dimitra, and Susan Hallam. “Higher Education music students’ perceptions of the benefits of participative music making.” Music Education Research 9.1 (2007): n. pag. Google Scholar . Web. 26 Oct. 2013.

National Association for Music Education, comp. The Benefits of the Study of Music . N.p.: n.p., 2007. Print.

Thiers, Genevieve, et al. “Music Education and Success…From the Band Room to the Board Room.” Everything We Needed to Know About Business, We Learned Playing Music . By Craig M. Cortello. N.p.: n.p., n.d. NME.com . Web. 18 Oct. 2013.

Varghese, Manna. Personal interview. 24 Oct. 2013.

Why Music? Prod. NAfME. Radio

Sign up for our mailing list!

Subscribe for email updates, highlights from our partner schools, and exciting news from the field of music education..

Your First Name

Your Last Name

Donate by Check

Send a check or money order payable to "Education Through Music, Inc." to:

Education Through Music, Inc. 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1501 New York, NY 10168

If you wish to direct your donation to a specific purpose or to donate in someone's honor, please indicate in the memo. Tax receipts will be mailed within one week.

Donate by Phone

Any questions.

Email [email protected] or call 212-972-4788 .

Under construction

At Education Through Music, we believe that every child, at every school, deserves access to high-quality music education. It is part of a well-rounded education , essential for students’ social and emotional well-being , and a critical tool for establishing equity and access .

The best way to stay involved with ETM is to subscribe to our Newsletter !

To learn more about the importance of music education, listen here to ETM staff speaking about the value of music education and its impact on students’ lives.

Music education is part of a well-rounded education for all children as understood and supported by federal and state policymakers.

Click here or scroll down to learn more about Well-Rounded Education.

Music education supports students’ social and emotional well-being.

Click here or scroll down to learn more about Social and Emotional Well-being.

Our organization exists because systemic racism has created inequities in access to education. We strive to help level the playing field for children from under-resourced communities by ensuring that all children have access to high-quality music education, no matter their background or circumstance.

Click here or scroll down to learn more about Equity and Access.

• According to the Every Student Succeeds Act, music is an essential component of a well-rounded education.
• 88% of families agree it is important that their child’s school has a music program. 
• Quality general music education has been linked with the development of self-control, planning, and verbal intelligence: the life skills students need to make decisions, focus, plan, problem-solve, and juggle multiple tasks. It also fosters a motivation to learn music. (from Longitudinal Analysis of Music Education on Executive Functions in Primary School Children )

“I don’t think education is complete without music.” – ETM Partner School Principal

“Without music, I feel a piece of me is missing.” – ETM Partner School Student

• 70% of parents whose children attend ETM partner schools agree that learning music helps their child’s social development.
• 85% of ensemble students say they have made at least one new friend through ensemble.
• 79% of students say their music teacher or ensemble director cares about them as a person.
• 72% of students say their music teacher or ensemble director is someone they can go to if they need help with something.

“Music does help me a lot, and it’s helped me get through some really difficult times.” – ETM Partner School Student

“It’s empowering. It gives you a strength that no other activity can give you.” – ETM Partner School Student

• 40% of students in new partner schools report they have never before had a general music class
• 79% of families say it would be difficult for them to pay for private music lessons without a school music program
• 85% of ETM partner public schools’ student population comes from low-income households

“I think the music program is just excellent. My child loves the music class she is in because she knows many schools don’t have music in their area.” – ETM Partner School Parent

“ETM offers schools in low-income neighborhoods the opportunity for a quality music education and instrumental program.” – ETM Partner School Principal

All data is from our 2018 Impact Report unless otherwise indicated.

10 Reasons Why Music Education Is Important

Acting as a universal language that triggers emotional responses and unleashes creativity, music is an integral aspect of education that should not be overlooked. Music is often cited to improve a child’s academic performance and helps to develop communication and social skills. Through music education, students can receive an interdisciplinary education that can help in all aspects of life and study, which has far-reaching benefits that stretch beyond the subject itself. Here are 10 reasons why music education is important and should be considered a crucial aspect of a student’s education.

#1 Music Education improves linguistic capabilities

Music has long been associated with improved linguistic capabilities, especially in younger children. Musical education and training develop the same parts of the brain that works when learning a language, which ultimately helps children to hold a greater understanding of tone, pronunciation, and intonation of languages. Consequently, musical education complements language acquisition and can even be considered a shortcut to learning second or third languages.

#2 Music Education improves human cognition and functioning

Learning music enables individuals to improve their neural systems through greater neural activity through music. In fact, a study by the New York Academy of Sciences discovered that children who had a musical education had better fine motor skills compared to children without musical education, with visible changes in the neural networks shown in brain imaging.

#3 Music Education unlocks greater creativity

As music is an art that requires a great amount of creativity and innovation, learning music can help students to improve their overall sense of creativity. From composing music to playing an instrument , all aspects of music help to stimulate creativity and should be fostered from a young age through musical education.

#4 Music Education fosters teamwork skills

Music is an inherently collaborative art that requires a high level of teamwork skills and cooperation. Musicians are often required to play in multiple ensembles, which helps individuals learn how to work with other people from a variety of ages and backgrounds. As such, musical education not only provides theoretical and cognitive abilities, but also provides collaborative skills that will prove to last a lifetime.

#5 Music Education develops social skills

Similar to developing teamwork skills, an education in music will help individuals become more social beings. As there are many opportunities to meet people while studying music, music education can introduce students to a wider community and offers an opportunity to refine their social skills.

#6 Music Education provides a sense of achievement

Musical education is considered one of the hardest disciplines to excel in and achieving a musical goal provides a great satisfaction that derives from working hard to attain a goal. This sense of achievement leads to an improved sense of confidence , which is a valuable skill for all students, regardless of their discipline of specialization.

#7 Music Education builds imagination and intellectual curiosity

As music is correlated with improved brain cognition and function, this leads to a greater sense of intellectual curiosity and imagination. Imagination is a crucial aspect in music and can lead to innovative ideas that can help in all aspects of life. Similarly, a greater curiosity in intellectual topics will help students be interested in all other subjects taught at school .

#8 Music Education improves memory

Musical education requires a high level of memorization, from memorizing how to read music to performing works by memory. By training a student’s brain to memorize a great amount of information, this will help in all other aspects of life, including memorizing important dates, speeches and formulas.

#9 Music Education improves test scores

Children who are exposed to a music education often get better grade and test scores compared to their non-musical peers. In fact, a study by the University of Kansas discovered that students who attended schools with better music programs scored 22% higher in standardized English exams and 20% higher in math’s exams, compared to students who attended schools with a sub-par music education program.

#10 Music Education fosters perseverance

A musical education is incomplete without hours and hours of practice and study. In order to become a successful musician, students will have to dedicate a huge amount of time to improve their musical craft. This takes years of perseverance , willingness and diligence that will last a lifetime to become a musical master. Students who understand the importance of working hard to achieve a goal is an incredibly great skill to have and can be applied to all aspects of life.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Current Students
• Faculty / Staff
• Paying for College
• Alumni Services
• Partnerships
• Program Finder
• Affordable, Flexible, Accessible
• Distance Education
• All Online Courses & Degrees
• Baccalaureate Online
• Graduate Online
• Start Dates
• Admissions, Costs & Aid
• Faculty and Contacts
• Academic and Career Support
• Student Testimonials
• Distance Education Advantage
• About Hybrid Learning
• Hybrid Learning Degrees
• Admissions Requirements
• Top Destination Courses
• Student Life
• Academic Support
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty & Contacts
• Technical Institute for Environmental Professions
• Term Calendar
• Sustainable Ventures
• Careers & Outcomes
• About Unity
• Office of the President
• Announcing Our Evolution
• Sustainable Achievements & Initiatives
• Reinventing College
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Commencement
• Give to Unity Environmental University
• Institutional Communications
• Unity Environmental University News

Home  /  News  /  Why Is Education Important? The Power Of An Educated Society

Why Is Education Important? The Power Of An Educated Society

Looking for an answer to the question of why is education important? We address this query with a focus on how education can transform society through the way we interact with our environment. 

Whether you are a student, a parent, or someone who values educational attainment, you may be wondering how education can provide quality life to a society beyond the obvious answer of acquiring knowledge and economic growth. Continue reading as we discuss the importance of education not just for individuals but for society as a whole. 

Harness the power of education to build a more sustainable modern society with a degree from  Unity Environmental University .

How Education Is Power: The Importance Of Education In Society

Why is education so important? Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” An educated society is better equipped to tackle the challenges that face modern America, including:

• Climate change
• Social justice
• Economic inequality

Education is not just about learning to read and do math operations. Of course, gaining knowledge and practical skills is part of it, but education is also about values and critical thinking. It’s about finding our place in society in a meaningful way. 

Environmental Stewardship

A  study from 2022 found that people who belong to an environmental stewardship organization, such as the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, are likely to have a higher education level than those who do not. This suggests that quality education can foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly alarming, this particular importance of education is vital to the health, safety, and longevity of our society. Higher learning institutions can further encourage environmental stewardship by adopting a  framework of sustainability science .

The Economic Benefits Of Education

Higher education can lead to better job opportunities and higher income. On average, a  person with a bachelor’s degree will make $765,000 more  in their lifetime than someone with no degree. Even with the rising costs of tuition, investment in higher education pays off in the long run. In 2020, the return on investment (ROI) for a college degree was estimated to be  13.5% to 35.9% . 

Green jobs  like environmental science technicians and solar panel installers  have high demand projections for the next decade. Therefore, degrees that will prepare you for one of these careers will likely yield a high ROI. And, many of these jobs only require an  associate’s degree or certificate , which means lower overall education costs. 

Unity  helps students maximize their ROI with real-world experience in the field as an integral part of every degree program. 

10 Reasons Why School Is Important

Education is not just an individual pursuit but also a societal one.  In compiling these reasons, we focused on the question, “How does education benefit society?” Overall, higher education has the power to transform:

• Individuals’ sense of self
• Interpersonal relationships
• Social communities
• Professional communities

Cognitive Development

Neuroscience research  has proven that the brain is a muscle that can retain its neuroplasticity throughout life. However, like other muscles, it must receive continual exercise to remain strong. Higher education allows people of any age to improve their higher-level cognitive abilities like problem-solving and decision-making. This can make many parts of life feel more manageable and help society run smoothly. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is key to workplace success.  Studies  show that people with emotional intelligence exhibit more:

• Self-awareness
• Willingness to try new things
• Innovative thinking
• Active listening
• Collaboration skills
• Problem-solving abilities

By attending higher education institutions that value these soft skills, students can improve their emotional intelligence as part of their career development in college.

Technological Literacy

Many careers in today’s job market use advanced technology. To prepare for these jobs, young people likely won’t have access to these technologies to practice on their own. That’s part of why so many STEM career paths require degrees. It’s essential to gain technical knowledge and skills through a certified program to safely use certain technologies. And, educated scientists are  more likely to make new technological discoveries .

Cultural Awareness

Education exposes individuals to different cultures and perspectives. Being around people who are different has the powerful ability to foster acceptance. Acceptance benefits society as a whole. It increases innovation and empathy. 

College also gives students an opportunity to practice feeling comfortable in situations where there are people of different races, genders, sexualities, and abilities. Students can gain an understanding of how to act respectfully among different types of people, which is an important skill for the workplace. This will only become more vital as our world continues to become more globalized.

Ethical and Moral Development

Another reason why school is important is that it promotes ethical and moral development. Many schools require students to take an ethics course in their general education curriculum. However, schools can also encourage character development throughout their programs by using effective pedagogical strategies including:

• Class debates and discussions
• Historical case studies
• Group projects

Unity’s distance learning programs  include an ethical decision-making class in our core curriculum. 

Ready To Learn More About Unity Environmental University?

Communication Skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills are key for personal and professional success. Higher education programs usually include at least one communication course in their general education requirements. Often the focus in these classes is on writing skills, but students can also use college as an opportunity to hone their presentation and public speaking skills. Courses such as  Multimedia Communication for Environmental Professionals  provide many opportunities for this. 

Civic Engagement

According to a  Gallup survey , people with higher education degrees are:

• More likely to participate in civic activities such as voting and volunteering
• Less likely to commit crimes
• More likely to get involved in their local communities

All these individual acts add up to make a big difference in society. An educated electorate is less likely to be swayed by unethical politicians and, instead, make choices that benefit themselves and their community. Because they are more involved, they are also more likely to hold elected officials accountable.

Financial Stability

The right degree can significantly expand your career opportunities and improve your long-term earning potential. Not all degrees provide the same level of financial stability, so it’s important to research expected salary offers after graduation and job demand outlook predictions for your desired field. Consider the return on investment for a degree from an affordable private school such as  Unity Environmental University .

Environmental Awareness

We have already discussed why education is important for environmental stewardship. Education can also lead to better environmental practices in the business world. By building empathy through character education and ethics courses, institutions can train future business leaders to emphasize human rights and sustainability over profits. All types and sizes of businesses can incorporate sustainable practices, but awareness of the issues and solutions is the first step.

Lifelong Learning

The reasons why education is important discussed so far focus on institutional education. However, education can happen anywhere. Attending a university that values all kinds of learning will set students up with the foundation to become lifelong learners.  Research  demonstrates that lifelong learners tend to be healthier and more fulfilled throughout their lives. When societies emphasize the importance of education, they can boost their overall prosperity.

The Role Of Unity Environmental University In Society

Environmentally conscious education is extremely valuable and should be accessible to all.   Unity Environmental University  offers tuition prices that are comparable to public universities, and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Courses last five weeks so that students can focus on only one class at a time. This ensures all learners are set up for academic success. 

Unity believes in supporting students holistically to maximize the power of education. This includes mental health services,  experiential learning opportunities , and  job placement assistance . Students in our  hybrid programs  can take classes at several field stations throughout Maine and enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding the campus for outdoor recreation.

Sustainable Initiatives

Some highlights from Unity Environmental University’s many sustainable initiatives:

• All programs include at least one sustainability learning outcome
• All research courses are focused on sustainability research
• Reduced building energy use by 25% across campus
• 100% of food waste is recycled into energy 
• Campus features a  net-zero LEED Platinum-certified classroom/office building

While many schools value sustainability, Unity stands out because  everything  we do is about sustainability. We also recognize our responsibility to model how a sustainable business can operate in a manner that’s fiscally viable and socially responsible.

Make An Impact At Unity Environmental University

While the phrase ‘education is power’ may sound cliche, it is also resoundingly true. Higher education has the power to transform individuals and societies. Unity Environmental University understands its power to make a positive impact on the world. That’s why we were the first university to divest from fossil fuels. 

This year, we celebrated our  largest incoming class ever , showing that students want an education system that aligns with their values. In addition to our commitment to sustainability, we offer flexibility to students with start dates all year round for our  online degree programs .

Start Your Journey

Looking for Answers

Get More Info

© Unity Environmental University 2024. “America’s Environmental University.™”

Privacy Overview

Essay on Importance of Education for Students

500 words essay on importance of education.

To say Education is important is an understatement. Education is a weapon to improve one’s life. It is probably the most important tool to change one’s life. Education for a child begins at home. It is a lifelong process that ends with death. Education certainly determines the quality of an individual’s life. Education improves one’s knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. Most noteworthy, Education affects the chances of employment for people. A highly educated individual is probably very likely to get a good job. In this essay on importance of education, we will tell you about the value of education in life and society.

Importance of Education in Life

First of all, Education teaches the ability to read and write. Reading and writing is the first step in Education. Most information is done by writing. Hence, the lack of writing skill means missing out on a lot of information. Consequently, Education makes people literate.

Above all, Education is extremely important for employment. It certainly is a great opportunity to make a decent living. This is due to the skills of a high paying job that Education provides. Uneducated people are probably at a huge disadvantage when it comes to jobs. It seems like many poor people improve their lives with the help of Education.

Better Communication is yet another role in Education. Education improves and refines the speech of a person. Furthermore, individuals also improve other means of communication with Education.

Education makes an individual a better user of technology. Education certainly provides the technical skills necessary for using technology . Hence, without Education, it would probably be difficult to handle modern machines.

People become more mature with the help of Education. Sophistication enters the life of educated people. Above all, Education teaches the value of discipline to individuals. Educated people also realize the value of time much more. To educated people, time is equal to money.

Finally, Educations enables individuals to express their views efficiently. Educated individuals can explain their opinions in a clear manner. Hence, educated people are quite likely to convince people to their point of view.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Education in Society

First of all, Education helps in spreading knowledge in society. This is perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Education. There is a quick propagation of knowledge in an educated society. Furthermore, there is a transfer of knowledge from generation to another by Education.

Education helps in the development and innovation of technology. Most noteworthy, the more the education, the more technology will spread. Important developments in war equipment, medicine , computers, take place due to Education.

Education is a ray of light in the darkness. It certainly is a hope for a good life. Education is a basic right of every Human on this Planet. To deny this right is evil. Uneducated youth is the worst thing for Humanity. Above all, the governments of all countries must ensure to spread Education.

FAQs on Essay on Importance of Education

Q.1 How Education helps in Employment?

A.1 Education helps in Employment by providing necessary skills. These skills are important for doing a high paying job.

Q.2 Mention one way in Education helps a society?

A.2 Education helps society by spreading knowledge. This certainly is one excellent contribution to Education.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App