You may remember taking basic music in junior or high school, maybe you played the piano, or an instrument in the band. What you may not know is the positive effects music education had on your life and development. Furthermore have you the addition considered music education in your homeschool program.
Educational Benefits
Incorporating music education in your homeschool is a smart choice. There are several educational benefits to learning to play music. Increase your Childs reading skills. Rhythm skills and pre reading abilities are linked in the development in toddlers. Also every day listening skills are stronger in musically trained children. In a 2013 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that adolescent centered studies show that even very basic rhythm abilities suck as tapping to a beat relate with reading skills. So from preschool all the way up to the adolescent years, music education may increase reading abilities and listening skills.
Cognitive Benefits
Research by ParberyClark, A., ( et, al.), Reveals that musical experience strengthens many of the same aspects of brain function that are impaired in individuals with language and learning difficulties, such as the neural timing precision that allows differentiation between syllables. another study published in 2010 found that music strengthens non music brain functions. It is not unusual to hear many moms of special needs children rave about the benefits that music education has had in their child’s life, including speech, and cognitive gains after music education has started.
Social Benefits:
Homeschooled students benefit greatly from taking music education in a class structured environment along side other homeschoolers. These enviorments teach children how to work together in a group setting, and play as one. Unlike private lessons, group settings like Concert Bands, Orchestras , and Marching bands teach teamwork, how to work with a group to produce good sound, delayed gratification, and having to work for the benefit of a group as a whole ( ex. concert, or show). It also teaches students the importance of commitment, for example when a Marching band has a competition, game or show one must comm to rehearse at home and to submit to deadlines and schedules for the group.
The are many documented cognitive, social, educational even emotional benefits to learning how to play music. More so homeschooled students benefit largely from the experience of playing in a group in addition of absence of private lessons. there are many groups in the US which offer homeschoolers group Music opportunities. Some are programs specially and only for homeschooled students. One Program Joyful Noise Homeschool Academy of the Arts, is a program for homeschoolers in Georgia. The Program offers structured music classes in Orchestra, Band, Percussion, Guitar and even has a competitive Marching Band. Similar programs exist in other states such as West Michigan Homeschool Band, which offers Music classes and also has a Marching Band Program.
Wether its a small band group, a trio of students, or a full Marching band experience homeschooled students benefit from structured music programs in many areas. Take a moment to look into the opportunities in your area and consider adding music as a part of your curriculum.
