Parent Letter: Every Child Needs Music

Submitted by Sharon Burch, Centerville, Iowa

Idea posted September 30, 2005

I wrote the following to send home to all parents. You are welcome to use it to help spread news of the value of what we are all about. Obviously, music teachers realize the value of music education, but I noticed there is a myth pervading the general parental society. The myth: Only children showing natural music abilities should be encouraged in music education. I wrote the following to educate and enlighten the caring parents and grandparents of the world. If you do use, please include my name as author.

Because I'm a music teacher, caring adults often inquire of me how to help guide the child showing musical aptitude, or when to begin music lessons. My reply depends on the resources available, followed by the advice, start as soon as possible. The benefits of music reach far beyond learning how to sing or play an instrument. Belonging to an organized music group enhances a child's success in society, success in school, and success in life. Caring parents value these positive benefits, but the recent studies regarding mental development impact their parental decisions. The studies show that music training profoundly affects brain development.

With advancements in technology, including PET and MRI scans, researchers literally watch and chart brain activity while a person engages in various tasks. Researchers quickly discovered that music is one of the very few whole-brain activities, engaging all four parts of the brain! The only other functions that use both hemispheres are higher-level mathematics and logic processing, such as chess. All other tasks rely on the dominant use of either the left or right brain. Furthermore, the research shows the brain's ability to continue to develop with proper stimulation and exercise. Nothing compares to music education in brain stimulation and development. The plethora of music and brain research articles makes it clear - music education benefits every child.

Why does engaging in music activate the entire brain? A musician's mind is constantly choosing how fast or slow to play, with what style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling - training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing while simultaneously controlling finger movement, reading and memorizing. Thus, a musician conducts numerous mental and physical activities at the same time - training the brain to organize and create multiple mental pathways.

These mental skills and multiple mental pathways, honed by music education, permeate all facets of learning, and the effects continue to compound over time with advanced music study. One example of the effects publicized in 2001, a "Profile of SAT Program Test Takers," reported students participating in music scored higher on the SATs than students with no arts participation. Scores for students in music performance classes were 57 points higher (Verbal) and 41 points higher (Math). Scores for students in music appreciation classes were 63 points higher (Verbal) and 44 points higher (Math).* It is no coincidence that a high percentage of band, choir, or orchestra members are top-ranking students.

What better way to develop child's mind than consistent engagement in musical activities? There is no better way. Regardless of a child's natural tendencies for the arts, making music instruction a part of every child's total development can only enhance their life skills and mental processing. Every child needs the multiple benefits of music education. Freddie the Frog products originated to provide an accessible and entertaining form of music education for use at home. I encourage you to enjoy Freddie's adventures and to pursue other music education opportunities available in your area. (More suggestions listed in the back of Freddie the Frog and the Thump in the Night - Book/CD.)