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Music Education Benefits

This short National Geographic video with world-renowned scientist Neil deGrasse features highlights of a very enlightening discussion with David Byrne, world-renowned musician, about the benefits of arts in our education and our world in general.

In regard to the importance of music education Michael E. Debakey, M.D., Educator, succinctly stated:

Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. An association of music and math has, in fact, long been noted. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. In medicine, increasing published reports demonstrate that music has a healing effect on patients. For all these reasons, it deserves strong support in our educational system, along with the other arts, the sciences, and athletics.

A short list of the benefits of music education

  • Cognitive and language skills
  • Retention and Memory
  • Enhanced Eye Hand coordination
  • Study and focus attention
  • Mental processing, Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Heightened
  • Teamwork
  • Increased ability to visualize resolve complex problems

For a well-cited article detailing the connection between language and music,

see the article from the National Library of Medicine by Luntz Jancke. 
Music & Language

The connection between music and math are described aptly in this very approachable article on the website for The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Math and music might seem like an odd couple. But when we take a closer look, they have more in common than you might think. You see, beneath the sound of the notes are math concepts and rules. These math ideas help organize everything from the beat (rhythm) to the tune (melody) of the music. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4!

Read more:
Connections: Math & Music
Albert Einstein playing violin
“Life without playing music is inconceivable for me,” he declared. “I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music … I get most joy in life out of music.”