Why is making music so important?
 
Just about everyone has heard that playing music makes you smarter. Through participation in music, areas of the brain required for thinking, study, and communication are exercised and developed. This helps in school study as well as day to day life. A musician is continuously making decisions and adjustments to tempo, rhythm, tone, intonation and feeling.  The brain becomes adept at organizing and managing several actions at the same time.  Further, students with a musical background learn to focus on both smaller details as well as the over-all picture.  They become better creative thinkers as well as better problem-solvers. These abilities are essential for the kinds of thought process required for everything from solving equations to planning what will be needed for a one-day trip.
 
Musical participation also develops self-esteem and confidence. Performing provides opportunities to confront and overcome fear and to take risks. Dealing with the apprehension and nervousness we all feel in front of a crowd often provides the confidence and strategies to overcome this kind of fear. Students who are regularly involved in groups also learn other crucial life skills such as self-discipline, goal setting, and working with others. In order for an ensemble to sound good, all members must work together to perform well as a group. This objective requires the discipline of individual practice and the ability to be a member of a team at rehearsals. These are benefits which extend far beyond the boundaries of music.
 
Most importantly, let’s not forget the pure joy and power that making music delivers.
 
"Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students, enhances spatial intelligence in newborns, and let's not forget that the arts are a compelling solution to teen violence, certainly not the cause of it!" Michael Greene, Recording Academy President and CEO at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 2000.

Sean Cunnington is a music educator and professional musician with over 20 years experience. He is the Chief Creative officer and Founder of T-Rox Music Academy located at 112 Lakeshore Rd. East in Port Credit. For more information visit www.t-rox.ca or call us at 905-602-0992.