Today' statistics confirm how quickly education is losing the race against traditional learning methodologies and practices. The problem increases when social media, and its forms of electronic entertainment seem to inundate the minds of the young people. While music was around the lives of many people through centuries, it is not surprising to come to the realization that modern ways of entertainment deter the mind of young and adults impacting analytical skills, social in-person interactions, focus and other challenges.
The learning of a musical instrument showed through centuries the opening of new experiences in the lives of youth and adults. The performance of a musical instrument within an ensemble, the pleasure and feeling of achievement when a new piece is finalized has become as part of the history of what music did do for many and still can do. If parents and guardians could realize the positive impact music makes on children, perhaps there would be more music stores and less video gaming shops.
Music has always been linked to the development of the brain. Learning to play a musical instrument creates a whole spectrum of neurological connections supporting the development of fine and motor and cognitive skills. A piano student can develop motor and intellectual skills fostering an independent focused memory and hand/finger coordination which can be related to academic and professional success. The engagement of a musician within an instrumental ensemble supports collaboration, teamwork, unity through inspiration and independent expression. It is difficult to believe that fine music skills can be developed in scenarios found in the social media world.
Many young people struggle today with mental health. Feelings of loneliness, needs of recognition, and a desire of belonging are common challenges seen throughout our schools. However, it is good to remind students and parents that there is always something for someone in the making of good music. It is not surprising to find now a days many successful professionals who had a musical background in the younger years. So why don't we give music a chance? If you are a parent and feel like you need to find a healthy alternative to support your child with an integral development of intellectual and physical skills, then give music a chance. Look for a music studio, start your child in a music learning environment where soon he or she will be able to participate in the creative process of music. The rewards are countless. Although not immediate, rewards come with the discovering of many opportunities not lived and experienced before. We are in a new world; technology is driving us at rapid pace, so why don't we take a pause and give music a new chance?
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David Nino, Ed.D. - Dr. Nino is currently the director of music at Highland View Academy in Maryland.
The learning of a musical instrument showed through centuries the opening of new experiences in the lives of youth and adults. The performance of a musical instrument within an ensemble, the pleasure and feeling of achievement when a new piece is finalized has become as part of the history of what music did do for many and still can do. If parents and guardians could realize the positive impact music makes on children, perhaps there would be more music stores and less video gaming shops.
Music has always been linked to the development of the brain. Learning to play a musical instrument creates a whole spectrum of neurological connections supporting the development of fine and motor and cognitive skills. A piano student can develop motor and intellectual skills fostering an independent focused memory and hand/finger coordination which can be related to academic and professional success. The engagement of a musician within an instrumental ensemble supports collaboration, teamwork, unity through inspiration and independent expression. It is difficult to believe that fine music skills can be developed in scenarios found in the social media world.
Many young people struggle today with mental health. Feelings of loneliness, needs of recognition, and a desire of belonging are common challenges seen throughout our schools. However, it is good to remind students and parents that there is always something for someone in the making of good music. It is not surprising to find now a days many successful professionals who had a musical background in the younger years. So why don't we give music a chance? If you are a parent and feel like you need to find a healthy alternative to support your child with an integral development of intellectual and physical skills, then give music a chance. Look for a music studio, start your child in a music learning environment where soon he or she will be able to participate in the creative process of music. The rewards are countless. Although not immediate, rewards come with the discovering of many opportunities not lived and experienced before. We are in a new world; technology is driving us at rapid pace, so why don't we take a pause and give music a new chance?
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David Nino, Ed.D. - Dr. Nino is currently the director of music at Highland View Academy in Maryland.