Music Education
Across cultures, music is a central part of holiday traditions, celebrations, and family gatherings. From carols to festive tunes, music brings people together, stirs emotions, and marks special moments that make the season memorable. Charlie Brown Christmas comes to mind for me. Whether it’s a school choir performing at a holiday concert or the comforting sound of songs passed down through generations music can bring folks together.
This holiday season, we are reminded how music plays into our lives, not just in cultural traditions and celebrations, but as an essential element of a well-rounded public education. Music is not only about creating musicians or artists; it’s about developing the creativity, resilience, and skills that students need to succeed in all aspects of life. My holiday wish is that we give music the place it truly deserves in our schools across Oregon.
Music is a subject that is often one of the first to be cut when schools face budget pressures or focus on standardized test scores. Depriving students of music education doesn’t just limit their creative growth, it has lasting effects on their emotional, social, and academic development. Some folks, including Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, argue it is a form of neglect. I believe by not offering dedicated space for music and the arts, schools miss a crucial opportunity to support students’ holistic development and put additional strain on already-overloaded teachers.
Music belongs in schools for many reasons.
When music education is reduced or eliminated, the impact is felt not just by students but by the educators as well. Without a dedicated music teacher or class time for music, the responsibility often falls to classroom teachers to fit music into their already packed schedules. This can lead to additional stress, as teachers try to balance core subjects like math, science, and language arts, while also incorporating music and the arts into their lessons. Many teachers, especially in elementary schools, may not have the expertise or resources to teach music effectively, leaving them to shoulder an overwhelming task. This pressure only intensifies when music and arts programs are cut altogether, making it difficult for students to access the creative outlets they need to thrive.
Moreover, eliminating music and the arts from the curriculum means ignoring a crucial aspect of a child’s development: creativity. Education should be about nurturing the whole child. Music, drama, and visual arts are essential to a well-rounded education. When these subjects are sidelined, we’re sending the message that creativity is less important than academic testing or memorization. This perspective limits how students see themselves and their potential.
So let´s talk about some of the benefits of music education.
Research shows that students involved in music education tend to perform better academically. They are more likely to excel in subjects like math, reading, and even science. The structure and discipline needed to learn an instrument or vocal technique also improves focus and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to other areas of learning. For example, understanding rhythm in music requires students to work with fractions, such as knowing how a quarter note fits into a half or whole note. This connection between music and math highlights how music education can support both artistic and academic achievement.
Music education a powerful way for students to grow emotionally. Music provides a unique outlet for expressing feelings and ideas that words sometimes can't capture. Through both solo performances and group collaborations, students learn to navigate their own emotions and work together with others, building empathy and emotional resilience. In today’s fast-paced world, music education offers a space for students to de-stress and creatively express themselves, which is increasingly important for their overall well-being.
Facilitating sight-reading in schools is a powerful form of musical literacy that strengthens both cognitive and musical skills. Just like reading words on a page, sight-reading helps students decode the symbols of music, allowing them to quickly and confidently interpret new pieces. This ability boosts memory, focus, and problem-solving, while building musical fluency and independence. In ensemble settings, it enables students to participate fully without needing extensive rehearsal. Beyond music, sight-reading enhances overall literacy skills, reinforcing the idea that being "literate" extends beyond language to include the language of music, fostering both academic and artistic growth.
Additionally, music can play a powerful role in culturally responsive teaching by honoring and reflecting the diverse backgrounds of students. By incorporating music from a variety of cultures, educators can create an inclusive classroom where students see their own identities and experiences reflected in the curriculum. Music serves as a bridge to foster understanding and respect for different cultures, offering students a chance to explore different musical traditions, instruments, and styles. This approach not only enriches their musical education but also deepens their appreciation for diversity. It encourages empathy, helps break down cultural barriers, and allows students to connect with each other on a deeper, more personal level. Integrating culturally diverse music into teaching practices promotes a sense of belonging and validates students' unique cultural heritage.
All of these interdisciplinary connections help students see that education is not a series of isolated subjects, but rather a comprehensive journey that values creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Music and the arts are not just "extras" in schools; they are fundamental to fostering well-rounded, creative, and emotionally intelligent individuals. Without space for music education, we risk depriving students of the cognitive, emotional, and creative growth they need. By prioritizing the arts and creating cross-curricular connections, such as linking music with math or art with science, schools can enrich students' learning experiences and provide them with a broader set of skills.
I believe all students across Oregon should have access to music education and music educators should have spaces to teach their trade because it’s something that can enrich their lives in profound and lasting ways.
