The Lion's Tale

Although everyone is not given the opportunity to have formal music lessons, they in some way are touched daily by music.  Music comes to us in many forms: instruments, the voice, rhythm of the rain, a bouncing ball, and clapping hands.  Each sound presents its own rhythm. 

Children learn new information by adapting it to a familiar song. Toddlers learn to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and later learn the alphabet by singing the same tune.  Formal music lesson, whether individually or in the classroom, teach many other concepts.  Music includes math skills, hand-eye coordination, language skills, reasoning and reading skills, and develops memory.

Learning to play an instrument helps a person to think creatively and solve problems.  Music teaches discipline and requires focus.  Hard work and perseverance are rewarded by an excellent performance. The excellent performance, in turn, brings about confidence and builds self-esteem.  Performances also help the student to conquer fear and take risks.

When in a classroom, music students develop teamwork. They must use listening skills, cooperate, and communicate with one another.  Playing together increases self-control for the reason that everyone must play the same rhythm in order to bring synchronization and a pleasing sound to the listening ear.

Music education teaches life skills that are beneficial regardless of the career path chosen.  No doubt, music education is priceless.