Education, Society & Culture

The Importance of Music to Create Harmony in Challenging Social Times

musicWhile the contemporary world has been distinguished by technological advancement and innovation, social development has diminished in several nations throughout the world. The reasons for this vary form region to region, as while under-developed nations will cite deprivation as the primary reason for social unrest those in advanced economies will blame the prevailing culture of entitlement and a lack of perspective when it comes to managing expectations.

As government bodies across the globe strive to find the solutions to a host of social issues, however, music may provide the key in developed economies. More specifically, there is evidence to suggest that children who have access to instrumental music lessons achieve better academic grades than those who do not, and these students subsequently go on to achieve more considerable career success. As a result of this, musically inclined indivisuals often grow into rounded adults who contribute positively to society.

How Can Governments Use Music to Improve Society?

This issue came to global prominence thanks to events in Scotland during 2012, where more than 24 local authorities charged children between £95 and £340 per annum to learn their musical instrument of choice. After studies revealed correlation between regional deprivation and a lack of access to musical lessons, however, international governments have taken notice and began to reconsider the importance of music tuition in the modern curriculum.

So how exactly can a musical education drive positive social change? Consider the following:

  • Promote Valuable Social Lessons: During their formative years, children are most susceptible to life lessons and the behavior of their elders. With this in mind, the action of learning something fun and enjoyable can help to reinforce the importance of education and shape their future attitudes to school and academic achievement. This should not be underestimated, especially if infants are to develop into purposeful and academically qualified adults. Once children are able to play their instrument, they will also have achieved a reward for their efforts and begun to appreciate the fact that hard work translates into tangible success.
  • Improve Mental Capacity and Academic Performance: From the numerous studies conducted in the UK during 2012, it also became apparent that children who attended regular music lessons achieved noticeably better grades in English and Maths. This may well be down to the fact that music students have a better appreciation of education and its importance, but it may also be inspired by greater levels of mental agility and capacity. If children have committed to learning a musical instrument in their infancy, it may be that they are more academically capable when it comes to understanding educational staples such as maths, English and science.
  • The Balance between Work and Life: While it may seem ridiculous to refer to the work-life balance when addressing children, it is important that individuals of all ages are able to pursue hobbies and activities that they are genuinely interested in. This is particularly important for children, who must be mentally stimulated and challenged if they are to feel the benefits of a comprehensive and diverse education. If infants are forced to endure past times in which they have interest or aptitude while also attending school on a daily basis, there is a risk that they will become bored and begin to showcase disruptive behavioural traits. If musically inclined children are able to indulge their passion, however, they are far more likely to be responsive and committed learners throughout their education.

This post was written by Laura, who is a committed music enthusiast currently residing in the UK. She recommends the Morris Brothers Music Store for affordable instruments and high quality tuition.

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