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Proof: Learning Music Makes Children Smarter!
By janice | September 14, 2009
As music teachers, we’ve all known it and we already endorse it, but now its becoming official.
On the 10th September, 2009, the UK Government is kick starting a schools music program which has been dubbed the biggest music lesson ever and will reach thousands of schools and children throughout the UK.
This year, the British government will invest 330 million pounds into their “First National Year of music” . This came about as a result of some conclusive research undertaken by Professor Susan Hallam of the Institute of Education, University of London.
In her research she found:
- Students who learned music over time, increased their general IQ by 7 points, while drama subjects only increased their IQ by 4.3points.
- Playing an instrument improves general behaviour because it requires a students to trust, respect and compromise with others
- Learning a musical instrument improves behavior, memory and intelligence
- musically trained students retain up to a fifth more information
Ed Balls, Secretary of the State said:
“Music is at the very heart of British popular culture – it’s what kids talk about, it’s what they aspire to. It’s fantastic that TV talent shows like X Factor attract millions of viewers each week, but young people need to know that they can only become stars by mastering the basics when they’re young and by learning about a range of music, from classical to country. This is exactly why we need world-class music education in schools. We know that learning to play an instrument can improve both reading and writing. It is right that music should play an important role in school life and beyond.”
Just check out his you tube interview releasing the program the other day.
If there are any UK teachers out there reading this, I would love some input into this discussion. Did you take part in the Biggest Music Lesson ever; What was it like; what did your students think and do you know if and where we can get some footage of the broadcast on you tube?
If anyone has any ideas or footage, please leave a comment and links in the box below as I am most intrigued!
Topics: Classroom Music, Fun and Games, Music Education Articles, Music Teaching, Video, music teaching inspiration
