Music Education and its impact on our society.

Recently, Bartlett Music owner, Kreston Smith spoke at a PTO meeting at Altruria Elementary School about Music Education and its impact on our society. During the speech, Mr. Smith played music during the speech that applied to the topic proving to create a warm atmosphere that kept the audience engaged in every word he had to say about

“Music Education and its impact on our society.”
~ “Imagine” by John Lennon playing in the background
“Music is a powerful tool that expands the imagination, reminds us of the past and connects us with the future and the world. From the movies to our own personal existence, we are compelled by the rhythm and melodic nature music gives us.”

“All we have to do it use our imagination while listening to a song and we can go back to a fond memory of a special someone:”
~ “You are so beautiful” – Joe Cocker
“Or to one that we wish we could forget”
~ “Where were you when the world stopped turning” Alan Jackson
“Or to when we won the baseball game as a kid or the pinewood derby in boy scouts”
~ “We are the Champions” Queen
“Or when we just want to kick back in the recliner and go visit the stars and the planets . . .”
~ “Clair De Lune” Debussy
“Music is the most powerful invention given to man by God. It makes us laugh, cry, hope, scream with joy, express our anger and more. It touches the very fabric of our being. . .. . . . that alone makes music the most powerful tool EVERY teacher can use in the classroom.”

“It improves our Society. According to a study done by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol abuse, students that participate in band or chorus have the lowest lifetime usage of drug and alcohol during their life span.”

“It teaches good discipline and inspires determination. Many studies have shown that listening to and playing music at a young age increases intelligence, focus, and discipline.”

“A strong work ethic is built upon a habitual practice regime leading to an increased self-esteem and confidence. This then carries forward to every subject taught in the academic classroom. When attending the University of Memphis, I was accepted into the National Honor Society. An induction ceremony was held at the Rose Theater on campus. The Society President recognized different degree majors that were in attendance. Over 50 % of the group were music majors. That struck a chord with me and confirmed my calling to be a music teacher.”

“Music has elements of Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies interwoven through its core. Music students learn math through patterns. . .. it teaches us patterns both of rhythmic and organizational means. Choruses, verses, sonata, and rondos all teach different patterns of musical form. Division and Fraction comprehension increases in music students due to the division on beat and usage of whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth note rhythms. An instrument involves kinetic movement which reinforces learning and increases higher ordering thinking skills and retention amongst children. It also helps adults keep brain tissue healthy and alive reducing risk of Alzheimer’s.”

“Music students also learn to communicate effectively in sentences and with rhyme. Music teaches students how to speak intelligently and how to use rhyme by singing song. Memorization is increased of subject matter with music as well. Most recently, I used a blues song from a website called http://www.SONGSFORTEACHING.com to teach the water cycle to my elementary students. They absolutely loved it and retained the information when evaluated.

“Music students also learn science by understanding the connection of vibration, pitch, sound, waves and volume to a musical instrument and the history of our country through songs like “This Land is your land”, “Star Spangled Banner”, and “America”. “

“In closing, I would like to challenge you to turn from being spectators to participants. When we step back and look at the big picture, music has a much stronger influence over our lives than many realize. We tend to take it for granted. It is in our community, grocery stores, TV programming and used in every academic subject that our children are learning in the classroom. I would like to challenge you to make a concerted effort every year to visit an art exhibit, watch a musical, and/or learn how to play a musical instrument. By supporting our local community arts programs, we together can keep the arts alive. I would like to end by quoting one of my favorite songwriters who despite a disability has become one of the most notable musicians of all time.”

Music is a world within itself
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don’t make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter A
When the people start to move
You can feel it all over
Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke”

“Thank you for supporting the arts and please write your representatives about its importance in our schools. The elimination of it would be a travesty.”

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