The Ups and Downs and Beautiful Sounds of Music Lessons

Music education has long since been taught in schools in this country but lately we have seen many parts of these programs being cut back. It’s unfortunate, considering all the many benefits music programs (and education) brings to students, whether it’s improving their ability to score well on tests, giving them a sense of achievement, and helping them develop team skills.

There are many more benefits outside of just those, too. Talk to any child and they will each have a unique taste for music. They will tell you how music is a crucial part of their lives and it plays into their social experience.

Unfortunately the state lawmakers look at music classes as a money sink compared to other curriculum such as math, sciences, history, and (even) sports.

“While budgetary cuts across the board negatively impact schools, in most cases they decimated programs in music and the arts, robbing students of the intellectual, cognitive, and social benefits of these pursuits. Such needs, of course, are most acute in urban school districts like Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angles and Memphis.” [2]

These cuts aren’t only affecting urban environments; many school all over the country are seeing their budgets slashed and with it we lose the wonderful benefits of creativity, teamwork, and mental improvement that comes from these activities.

So what does a parent need to do to fight back against these shrinking choices in the arts and music?

A. We take it into our own hands and attempt to teach our children music

B. We utilize the power of the Web and its vast resources to find professionals and online courses

Since it’s unlikely that most people reading this have experience playing an instrument, the latter of these two choices seem to be the best option (for good reason).

For example, if your child showed an interest in the piano you could seek private piano lessons, which come with many great benefits compared to what is (slowly being phased out of) being taught in schools:

• Access to professionals within your area with flexible schedules before or after classes
• Online portals where your child can watch tutorial videos and participate in discussions
• A learning library which provides a wealth of resources to understand the instrument
• Interactive Skype lessons which can fit into any busy schedule

Combine the online opportunity with other online resources (such as YouTube, forums, and even finding groups through social media) and your child can enjoy the sound of music where their school has begun to go quiet.

Online portals that bring the teacher to you and your child also allows your child to explore instruments that may not be common in a normal music class. They can begin to learn instruments that they truly favor such as guitars, drums, singing, percussion, and even bagpipe!

So while you fight to keep those music programs in place at the next PTA meeting be sure to come home and do some research about what music opportunities are available in your area. It’s an uphill battle to keep music programs as part of the regular curriculum and if they do go your child is missing on many golden opportunities for their future. You may as well put it into your hands to give every bit of chance to your child to learn and love the sound of music.