Adam Devenish | Performing Arts teacher
Engagement in music is not just about being able to play an instrument, but all of the academic benefits that come with learning music.
Learning in music transcends the classroom to stay with us for our whole lives. When was the last time you remembered a catchy tune or a chorus of lyrics? There are many benefits to engagement in music and having taught music for 4 years and as a musician myself since I began to learn guitar in year 4, I have witnessed the power of music in the development of the whole child.
Engagement in music can greatly enhance a students’ wellbeing and academic performance in the following ways:
● The brain - Engagement in music helps the brain by improving memory recall, focus and creating neural pathways called neurogenesis. For young developing brains, this is a great way for the brain to develop and build the critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence and concentration that learning through music offers.
● Coordination and motor skills - Learning an instrument is a great way to develop gross-motor skills. For example, I teach students to play the ukulele and they need to use both hands at the same time. One to strum or pluck the strings and the other fingers to play the right notes on the fretboard. For drumming, students must use hands and feet to play the rhythm pattern and the crossing to the other side of the body develops coordination.
● Social emotional wellbeing - Listening to music that makes you feel good releases dopamine in the brain which makes us feel happy. Students explore different types of music that make them feel different types of emotions. Identifying emotions and how to deal with them helps to develop their emotional intelligence. Music can be an outlet for emotions that students feel and help to centre them. Students learn to be resilient while they practise using their instrument. It takes time, effort and dedication to learn to play an instrument.
● Literacy - From song lyrics to reading and writing skills, there is so much literacy in music. Song lyrics use rhythm and rhyme along with poetic devices, language development and speaking and listening skills. This is a fantastic way for students to develop their literacy skills without them even knowing they are!
● Numeracy - Learning in music involves beat keeping and following rhythmic patterns. Beat keeping requires counting and rhythmic patterns are broken up into fractions. Again, students are using multiple numeracy skills without them even knowing they are.
By being resilient, students can use music or instrumental learning as a springboard for academic success. Not only are there literacy and numeracy benefits, but there are wellbeing, resilience and fundamental human skills that are developed when learning through music.
