Music makes the world go round, and it’s one of those universally loved forms of art that transcends age, language, and culture. No doubt this is an easy choice for parents to make for their children; school music electives are becoming increasingly popular. The question is, what is the benefit of such programs?
1. It helps children develop a sense of self-confidence
Music has a way of helping children gain self-confidence. It is an excellent extracurricular activity tied to academics in school. It also allows students to explore different instruments and learn various techniques for playing them. In addition, they also learn how to read sheet music which can help boost their academic performance.
2. It helps form an individual’s identity
Music is one of the best ways of teaching children their value as an individual. It teaches them to express themselves through music and write their melodies which they can perform in front of others. This can help them develop a sense of pride and become more confident individuals who can set aside fears and inhibitions. Implementing a music elective programme in schools is a good idea because it teaches the children to be more creative in expressing themselves. They learn to appreciate the difference in others or even themselves.
3. It helps develop social skills and friendliness to others
Music has a way of bringing people together, both young and old alike. The program can significantly enhance students’ social interactions with peers, teachers, and parents. It likewise helps students build their working relationships with other musicians.
4. It improves cognitive and motor skills
Music programs in schools seek to incorporate a wide range of skills that are not limited to the ones mentioned above but also include basic motor skills like hand-eye coordination, body posture, and reading. The program also teaches students how to apply these skills in various situations. For example, basic motor skill is applied to hold the instruments correctly and improve posture during concerts.
5. It helps in the development of language competence
Learning a new instrument and learning to read music both require language proficiency. In school, elective music programs can significantly improve students’ reading and writing capabilities. It also boosts their understanding of written documents, which is an important life skill that can be used in the workplace and during school activities.
6. It helps develop practical knowledge in the arts
Students that have taken advantage of music electives in school have a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of what the arts are about. They can identify various forms of art, their differences, their similarities, and even where they exist. Moreover, this understanding and awareness help students appreciate art more than before. It also allows them to be more critical when looking at various forms of art and music and helps them learn how to make distinctions about their quality.
Conclusion
Music elective programs in schools help students develop a variety of skills that they can use not only in their academic endeavors but even in their daily life as well. The program helps them discover a talent or even pursue a career in music. It also helps develop self-confidence and an appreciation for the arts. What is crucial, however, is for parents to ensure that the program is well-organized and supervised; this will help students to learn with ease and enjoyment.