How Does Music Improve a Child's Learning Ability and Why Does the Government Ignore These Benefits?

How Does Music Improve a Child's Learning Ability and Why Does the Government Ignore These Benefits?

  • Submitted By: ilovehobos
  • Date Submitted: 12/16/2008 4:25 PM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 4066
  • Page: 17
  • Views: 3812

How does music improve a child’s learning abilities, and why do educational boards ignore these benefits?

Abstract:
Music embodies multitudes of opportunities for people everywhere. Researchers have done study after study on the effects of music on the human body and brain. These studies behold limitless chances to improve one’s life in general. But do these chances hold more possibilities for children? In this investigation, I have chosen to focus on the benefits that children can yield with music lessons early in life and why music should be incorporated into the curriculum during preschool and elementary school.
Children have the possibility of improving their spatial-reasoning skills, memory, emotional and social skills, and stress management skills if music is introduced at an early age. Such skills are able to improve comprehension in mathematics and help developmentally challenged children, such as those with autism, socialize and become comfortable with communication. So why is music education so poorly funded and supported? Through my investigation of studies done by psychologists, writings of experts in this field, and government documents on the “No Child Left Behind” act installed by President George W. Bush, I found that many schools do not have the funds or the resources needed to incorporate these lessons into their schools. Also, there is a bigger emphasis on the “core” subjects, such as math, language arts, reading, and science, than the music classes despite the enrichment that children can yield from music training.
Word Count: 224

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….1
Why aren’t teachers using musical lessons? …………………………………………….1-3
Link Between Music and Brain…………………………………………………………..3-4
Music and the Brain……………………………………………………………………….4-5
The Mozart Effect………………………………………………………………………….6-7
Emotional and Social Benefits…………………………………………………………….7-8
Stress Response…………………………………………………………………………….8-9...

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