July 1, 2008
For the past eight years, students throughout the United States have entered the annual School Band & Orchestra Magazine essay contest about why music and music education are vital to them. This year, the assignment for the essay scholarship for students from grades 4-12, was:
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to tell you why music is so important to my complete education….
For those of us who advocate on behalf of public school music education programs and strive to be pro-active and vigilant in the face of looming cutbacks, reading these students’ thoughtful essays offers a new way to help defend your program.
These student essays are an inspiring reminder about why and how music makes a difference in the lives of young people.
Students Say: Music Education Helps Build Bridges, Eases Communication
One of the most compelling reasons to protect public school music education programs is that music has intrinsic value as a means of communication and cross-cultural understanding. And, it provides a reliable reservoir of pleasure, stress relief and creative inspiration.
Music helps you to understand people and cultures. It has a way of bringing people together. Music . . . soothes feelings and clears the minds. Music is about communication, cooperation and creativity. If we study music we can enrich these skills, and in this way we become better citizens and hopefully build a better world in which to live. -- Jiann, 14, Missouri
I speak four different languages and the more I play, the more I understand why music is the real universal language. There is no need for a passport to cross boundaries, just the willingness of enjoying new frontiers. -- Luz, 13, Kentucky
When my mother adopted me from a Chinese orphanage, I was almost three and did not know English. Because my mother did not speak Chinese, we needed a means of communicating not requiring the mutual understanding of words. Our first connection was through music. Songs helped me learn English and, more importantly, helped me feel comfortable and loved. -- Alana, 12, Nebraska
I believe that band is not merely an elective, but a course that teaches people how to live together. Literally and metaphorically, music is simply another language, but more. It teaches teamwork, leadership, open-mindedness, respect, and mostly, joy…..Music is necessary for my education because ultimately it teaches me, and my fellow musicians, nothing less than co-existence. -- Issac, 16, Minnesota
Students Say: Music Education Helps Them Do Better In School
As advocates, we recognize that public policy makers often require research studies or other visible ‘proof’ of music’s importance within the core curriculum. For decisionmakers, this legitimacy – in the form of higher test scores, fewer student behavior problems, development of good study habits, and increased graduation rates, among other measurable outcomes – helps to place tangible value on music education.
Students’ expression of real-life experiences in this area adds credence to music’s impact on their school lives:
Music makes me think. It challenges me to work harder, not only in band but in my other classes as well. -- Jiaan, 14, Missouri
Since I have been taking music in school, I have been promoted to honors programs for all my other classes. I am able to concentrate better and follow along with even the hardest things we learn. Music has made me realize how much (fun) going to school and learning new things can be. It has brought everything together and has made my life happier and better. -- Meredith, 12, South Carolina
In order for me to become a good young musician, I need to memorize the piece bar-by-bar and look ahead to plan for the upcoming notes, accidentals, and rhythms. As a result of this musical training, my memorization and organizational skills have tremendously improved. I am capable of studying for tests in a short period of time. -- Benjamin, 12, New York
I’ve learned self-discipline: the days when I have to force myself to sacrifice my time and practice have cultivated in me the ability to complete essays and other school assignments when I would much rather procrastinate. I’ve learned motivation: the drive to work out a difficult passage of music in order to have a flawless performance has similarly appeared in my schoolwork, pushing me to do everything to the best of my ability so that I can be proud of the final product. I’ve learned teamwork: the communication, critique, and commitment that are required in orchestras and especially smaller ensembles are also necessary for any group project or partner exercise that I encounter in the classroom. -- Michelle, 17, South Carolina
Students Say: Music Education Helps Build Self-Esteem, Confidence
The benefits of music education strike close to the heart when young students and musicians tell us how important it is to helping them learn to make friends or handle emotional turmoil.
Before I took music lessons, I had a hard time making friends because I was so shy. However, music has helped me learn how to interact with students my own age, I have learned the lessons of friendship and teamwork and that has carried over into my other classes. -- Meredith, 12, South Carolina
When I get frustrated, I take some time and play my saxophone (or guitar) to clear my thoughts. I use the time management skills I learned to plan ahead on school projects. Music has positively prepared me for college and for life. I truly believe it should be a part of everyone's high school experience. -- Kyle, 17, Ohio
Consider sending these essays to elected officials or adding them to your next school board presentation. Your school likely educates students just like these award-winning essayists: use their voices to bolster support for music education in your community.
For information about the 2009 SBO magazine essay scholarship (which begins on September 1, 2008) or to read the complete 2008 winning essays, please visit www.sbomagazine.com
