Music & Its Ability to Teach Life Skills

Music education, a subject affiliated with the teaching and learning of music, includes
musical extracurriculars like choir, band, and orchestra. This field also consists of the
incorporation of music in any class curriculum, like math, science, and social studies. Active
participation in music education leads to positive impacts on the development of children in the
sense that engaging with different musical activities over long periods of time [causes]
permanent changes [to] occur in the brain (Hallam). Constant participation in an activity
influence[s] the extent to which our developed skills are able to transfer to other activities
(Hallam). For the reason that children dedicate themselves to different activities all the time, any
doubts that these activities can include musical activities should cease to exist. Music education
allows for children to acquire and strengthen important skills which includes communication
skills, creativity, and self-discipline.
Participation in a type of music education program in primary school stimulates a
students social skills, thus providing them with the capability of effectively interacting with
other individuals. When educators include music lessons into a childs regular school day, they
sometimes structure them to where the students work together instead of alone. This social
theme centers on children as active participants in their learning in collaboration with adults and
other children [in the sense that] each participant influences the other (Samuelsson).
Collaborative learning emphasizes the idea that other children positively impact ones interest of
music education. For example, one study showed that students who participated in musical
activities talked more with parents and teachers, and that their parents were more likely to talk
with friends parents (Hallam). This study suggests that the social benefits related to music

education could possibly result in higher self-esteem within children. Research conducted in
Switzerland showed that an increase in the amount of musical activities led to an increase in
social cohesion within class, greater self-reliance, better social adjustment and more positive
attitudes in the children (Hallam). When the teachers decided to incorporate music into their
students curriculum, happiness was enhanced in most students, which resulted in them
showcasing more joy when learning in the classroom. Susan Hallam, author of The Power of
Music, conducted research on children who were involved in musical activities and discovered
that some students referred to the sheer fun and therapeutic nature of music, how it gave them
confidence to perform in front of others, how it facilitated group work and how it enabled them
to learn to express themselves (Hallam). Hallam and her research partner, Tolfree also reported
increased confidence and the provision of an alternative means of communicating feelings for
children aged 917 in relation to playing an instrument. Hallams research justified the
importance of music education when it comes to a childs ability to express feelings and
thoughts. The Toronto Childrens Chorus, a choir program for children in Toronto, proved to be
very successful in the way it improves a childs social skills. The choir program received many
letters from former members who discussed their experience. One former student, named Laura
Pedersen, stated that she would not have the social skills she acquired if it werent for her
involvement in the program (Bartle). Active participation within a music program or musical
extracurricular increases the possibility of improvements in a childs ability to socialize, thus
strengthening how they can apply the learned social skills in other aspects of life.
Involvement in a music education program of some sort activates an elementary students
ability to use creativity which can lead to the enhancement of learning experiences. One

approach that is becoming more common within classroom environments is the idea of a student
directing their own learning. Providing elementary school students with the power to take charge
creates an environment in which they enjoy more. It is important for music teachers to listen to
children and converse with them so that their ideas and interests can guide our selection of songs,
instruments, recordings, and other music-making resources (Niland). Due to the fact that
children are creative and masters of play, children must be challenged by the teacher in order
to clarify and to develop their thoughts (Samuelsson). Music educators must introduce distinct
concepts when it comes to childrens learning of the arts. If initiated in an effective way, music
education could lead to a child showcasing more creativity. A study was conducted on first
graders who participated in 30 minutes of music instruction everyday for an entire year. The first
graders who participated exhibited significant increases in creativity and in perceptual motor
skills compared with controls (Hallam). Another similar study was conducted on preschoolers
who participated in singing and musical group play twice weekly (Hallam). The preschoolers
scored higher.on creativity, had higher levels of abstraction, and showed greater creativity in
improvised puppet play (Hallam). These positive correlations suggest that music activities must
showcase elements of creativity in order for a childs creativity to be enhanced. Amanda Niland,
author of The Power of Musical Play used certain techniques to enhance her students
creativity. Niland wrote a song based off of cars because of how her students showcased a
particular interest in them. Together, the students sang the song while simultaneously using their
imaginations to vocalize sounds associated with cars. The responses from all of her students
were unique in their own ways and always enthusiastic. Niland allowed her students to playfully
respond to the song and as a result they have shown over time their developing awareness and

skills in relation to beat, tempo, form, and pitch (Niland). This engaging musical activity
provided her students with the freedom to direct and build their own curriculum (Niland).
Nilands approach to educating her students included musical activities which led to her students
using their imaginations way more. With that being said, when children are given the opportunity
to participate in a variety of activities, they enjoy the learning experience much more and
ultimately, learn a lot more.
Music education programs require students to understand distinct concepts which results
in them acquiring valuable concentration skills. Learning about music is not an easy task, but the
process of learning music can improve a childs self-discipline and attentional skills..
(Corrigall). Music education requires students to utilize many distinct skills. Examples of tasks
students must learn include learning how to focus on and discriminate subtle differences in
pitch, rhythm, loudness, and timbre (Corrigall). These tasks require strong concentration skills,
and with the curriculum music education provides, it is very likely for a childs concentration
skills to improve. The task of understanding music is sometimes more difficult for some
students. However, music lessons help children to become efficient learners who are able to
focus better and concentrate for longer periods of time (Corrigall). An improved attention span
benefits a child in multiple ways that go beyond what they will learn in a classroom setting.
Music lessons also result in children developing critical thinking skills. Because of the fact that
understanding music requires a lot of concentration, it is possible that children gain these
significant skills in the process. It has also been suggested that music training teaches children
motivational and concentration skills that help them focus for long periods of time, thus
potentially helping them to persevere at mastering reading, which is another benefit to a childs

education. Former students from the Toronto Childrens Chorus were also able to speak on how
the choir program impacted their concentration skills. One student named Erica Huang admitted
that in addition to becoming more musically experienced, a great amount of discipline and
maturity have been applied and developed in her life. Another former choir student named
Natalia Lobach stated that the choir program taught her the importance of organization and
working hard. With the positive impacts music education can cause, elementary school teachers
should strive to incorporate music into curriculum because of the fact that not every student
associates with a musical extracurricular. These actions provide the young students with the
possibility of improving their concentration skills which ultimately positively impact their
education.
When children immerse themselves in music education or musical extracurriculars, they
improve significant life skills which they can apply to their lives. Primary school students could
increase their abilities to socialize as a result of music collaboratively facilitating the
development of friendships with like-minded individuals (Hallam). A child is also given a
chance to use his/her creativity and imaginative skills. Gaining critical thinking skills and
improved attention spans is another way children benefit. Music acts as a great attribution to
childrens education in the sense that it strengthens their learning experience and makes learning
music something they enjoy.