Hi! I’m Anna Langley. I like to think I have the best job in the school because I get to see all the students and we sing, dance and play instruments. Why do I teach music? Besides being fun, please read below, and then make sure you check out the websites that are listed at the end of this article.
 
Why Music? (From Music Education Online)
Music participation provides a unique opportunity for literacy preparation. Whether the children are singing, playing, or listening, teachers direct them to listen and hear in new ways which exercises their aural discrimination. Playing instruments and adding movement to the lessons teaches children about sequential learning which is essential in reading comprehension.
 
Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for him. Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development. Music affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
 
Music is academic. For some people, this is the primary reason for providing music lessons to their children. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction. Research indicates that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance.
 
Music is physical. Music can be described as a sport. Learning to sing and keep rhythm develops coordination. The air and wind power necessary to blow a flute, trumpet or saxophone promotes a healthy body.
 
Music is emotional. Music is an art form. We are emotional beings and every child requires an artistic outlet. Music may be your child’s vehicle of expression.
 
Music is for life. Most people can’t play soccer, or football at 70 or 80 years of age but they can sing. And they can play piano or some other instrument. Music is a gift you can give your child that will last their entire lives.
 
Check out these web sites:
 
• www.dsokids.com The Dallas Symphony's concert site.
• www.playmusic.org A children's website from the American Symphony Orchestra League.
• www.nyphilkids.org The New York Philharmonic's educational website for children.
• www.sfskids.org The San Francisco Symphony's educational website for children.