4 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Music education isn't just about learning quarter notes and half notes. A well-rounded music education teaches life skills and values far beyond the scope of the music itself. In the same way that sports education develops the student as a whole, learning music helps students in several areas of life.

Let's examine the non-musical lessons that are learned while learning music:

* Discipline
Keeping two hundred band members in a straight line on a football field requires more self-control than corralling twelve football players who want to crash into the opposing twelve. Everybody has to know their place, and they have to appreciate the importance of being in their place.

* Delayed gratification
Results don't come easily or quickly. Good things are worth waiting for. In these days of MTV, drive-through windows, and iPods, the kids of today are accustomed to receiving exactly what they want when they want it. Practicing music teaches them that work can be hard, but if persevered, the rewards can be great.

* Pride in accomplishment
It's true that pride comes before the fall, but that doesn't mean one cannot be proud of doing a good job and producing quality results. There are plenty of opportunities while performing music to be recognized for one's efforts. And the gracious acceptance of such recognition is a skill that can be learned in music education.

* Commitment
If you sign up for a musical group at the beginning of a semester, you'd better be there when it's time for the concert or the performance. There's no room for quitters when other people are depending on you. The lesson carries over into the workplace, where it's important to know that your teammate is somebody you can count on.

* Confidence in public
It builds confidence in public settings. I'm convinced that I am comfortable speaking in public in front of large groups largely because of my musical performance experience. Giving a PowerPoint presentation in front of a few corporate suits is no caparison to performing a Bach Prelude in front of an audience of your family and your best friends.

* Appreciation for the arts
Love music and you love art. You love architecture. You love drama. You love nature. You love all the finer things in life. And everybody benefits from that.

Music is about building character, developing confidence, and expanding horizons. If everybody would understand this, there wouldn't be any talk of cutting back music programs in public schools.

Learn more about this author, Joe DeShon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The nonmusical benefits of a good music education?
We want to hear your view. Write now!