The Focused Student: The power and positivity of music

Here’s something to take note of. The College Board (the people who create and administer the SAT) analyzed students who participated in a music program and those who didn’t. Those who participated scored an average of 60 points higher on the verbal portion of the test, and 43 points higher on math.

The song I want to sing this month is that music — and all the arts — play an important role in education. Music is not just entertainment or diversion. Music classes are not wasted time, stolen from “academic” subjects. Music is an integral component of a robust education, and there is ample evidence it acts through many paths to provide a boost for those topics some consider “more academic.”

A study at Northwestern University showed a very strong link between students who were in an active music program and their advanced scores in language and reading, confirming the results found by the College Board. Other studies have shown a strong relationship between music and spelling since children have to distinguish between sounds of notes and sounds of speech. Another study showed math and reading improved by learning rhythms and decoding notes and symbols.

Researchers believe that at least four major brain functions are shaped and affected by music: executive function/IQ; literacy and language processing; memory; and social understanding and self-awareness. This is a very active and intriguing area of scientific inquiry.

There is something special about music. It is extremely interesting and noteworthy that advanced Alzheimer’s patients respond positively to music even long after they have lost the capacity for speech. This suggests that music is processed differently than other kinds of cognitive functions. It is also worth noting that music has the demonstrated capacity to calm agitation in those with dementia. It is not at all surprising that many students with attention issues respond well to having music playing while they are attempting to concentrate on homework. What might at first seem a distraction may in fact be a useful means of creating needed focus.

While higher test scores and IQs would be nice benefits of music education if fully validated, let’s also consider the importance of simply having our students be conversant with a different means of expression. Few will ever master a musical instrument, but we can provide them appreciation of the dedication that achieving such mastery requires, and we can teach them to enjoy the beauty and universality of music. Virtually every culture, everywhere, has music. It differs in so many ways from place to places, but the fact that it’s one of the few things shared among all cultures speaks of its importance to the human experience.

So let’s all be advocates and supporters for taking music courses and enjoying musical experiences. As a parent, you can do your part by sharing that experience with your student. Listen to his/her preferred music and vice-versa. Go to concerts (classical and rock).

Listen up, and take note!

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ROBERT FRANK is the executive director of the Hillside School and Learning Center in La Cañada. He holds a master’s of science degree in special education and has more than 40 years of teaching experience. His column appears on the last Thursday of each month. He can be reached at frank@hillsideforsuccess.org.