Excellence in Arts | DISCOVER | EDUCATION ASIA | 119
Why Music Matters in Schools “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children's education.” - Yo-Yo Ma, American Cellist
W alk into a school you will hear music. A choir rehearsing in Singapore, traditional instruments being played in Indonesia, an orchestra preparing for a concert in Hong Kong or young children singing together in Thailand. anywhere in Asia and there is a good chance Music is part of school life across the region, but are we giving it the attention it deserves? For parents choosing a school, academic results, facilities and university destinations often take priority. Music may not be the first thing families ask about, yet for many children it becomes one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of school. More Than Learning an Instrument Think about the child who rarely puts their hand up in class but confidently performs in a school production. The student who struggles to make friends but finds a place in the orchestra. Or the young person who discovers a talent they never knew they had.
Different Curriculums, Shared Values Across Asia, schools follow British, American, IB, Cambridge, national and bilingual curricula. Their approaches to music differ, but there are some excellent examples of schools making it a priority. Not every child will become a musician, but every child can benefit from music.
Music encourages concentration, memory, listening skills, and coordination. Performing builds confidence, while rehearsing with others teaches patience, commitment, and teamwork. Learning an instrument also requires perseverance. Progress takes time, and children discover that improvement comes through practice, mistakes and trying again. For parents, these are qualities worth encouraging, whether or not their child has ambitions to become a musician.
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