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Any band “geek” will tell you that playing music in elementary, middle and high school is an experience unlike any other, even though they might be a little biased. Not only do they have practice regimens, uniforms, assemblies, and the ability to read a language of notes and bars, they also might have sharper brains. Based on a study out of Illinois, 90% of children who played an instrument graduated from high school, in a district where the average graduation rate was 50%.
So what is it about playing music that gets kids’ brains stimulated? Researchers say that the students who play instruments are better at processing sound, which in turn helps them with other academic areas such as reading. The same effect can’t just be replicated by listening to music on full blast, it just doesn’t work that way when you’re not playing it.
Unfortunately, music is often one of the first programs cut when school funding becomes scarce, but some researchers say that music is a vital component to a child’s success. Even if your child opts for an electric guitar instead of a tuba, practice and lessons can strengthen the memory, focus, and concentration. In a world where everything is instantaneous with iPads and streaming entertainment, it is important to root your children in multi-sensory environments.
Many non-profits are aimed at providing low-income children with music programs and lessons from donor funding. The belief is that the circuits in their brains can start to process words and sounds faster than someone who came from a higher income school. For many children, playing an instrument gives them a reason to want to do well in school, and many of the students who came out of these charity groups have gone on to great success.
Los Angeles’ Harmony Project is one shining example of how kids from tough, often gang-riddled home environments can flourish. Many of the high school graduates involved with music ended up getting accepted into prestigious universities including Tulane, UCLA, and other large schools.
So, music is essentially a super power, if you ask us.
