Why Music Education is So Important to Our Children and How to Keep it in the Schools

In this struggling economy, cutbacks are being made in every part of our life. One of the areas is the fine arts department and after school programs which have been reduced or eliminated in many of our school districts across the country. The first things to be eliminated typically are the non-core classes like art, music and physical education. These are all important things that young children need in order to be fully stimulated for their minds and their bodies. The problem now happens that only the kids that can afford to take music lessons or to buy a student violin or an electric violin will be able to experience the many benefits that learning how to play an instrument teaches. Because of this, many groups across the country have formed to try to help kids to have access to the arts or to try to bring back the arts to schools and why it is so important.

Learning how to read music and play an instrument have been shown to help kids in school later on. There have been studies to support this and state that kids, who are involved in music and learn to play an instrument at an early age, will perform better in math than students that have had no music lessons or training. This is why it is so important to have this offered to all kids, not just the ones who can afford private lessons.

One example of a group that is supporting music education in schools is called AMC which stands for American Music Conference and is a national non-profit group that is intent on teaching the importance of music education. Many well known musicians such as Nick Lachey, Run DMC and several actors and actresses have supported this non-profit group. This group has worked together with Teen people magazine to put on a huge artist of the year event celebrating those in the music industry and bringing awareness to the fact that music education in schools in important.

In addition to many different larger groups that are supported by various celebrities, many smaller grass-root advocacy groups have formed trying to support music in schools too. One such group is called Music Friends and was started by parents and a small community that wished to support music in their local school system. They are supported by MENC which is The National Association for Music Education that was formed in the early 1900's and encourages the importance of music education in schools.

This group advocates that music was stated as a core subject in the No child left behind education Act of 2002 and how important it is and should not be cut from school districts trying to save money.

Whether it is a large national group or a small group in your community fighting to keep music in your schools, the same message is being promoted. Music education benefits students; especially the younger ones in elementary school and districts should consider it as important as reading or math when making budget cuts.



Music Education Programs Online

Online schooling opportunities are accessible to students who are looking to obtain a degree in music. There are numerous schools and colleges that offer online degree training in the field of music. Students can prepare for the career they desire by enrolling in a number of online schooling programs. Music education programs online allow students to prepare for careers in music therapy, technology, education, and more. Students may have the chance to study courses such as music theory, composition, instruments, performance, and much more depending on the level of degree. Online degrees in music are available at an associate's, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree.

An associate's level degree can be obtained after completion of a two year program with an accredited online school. Acquiring an associate's degree can give students the ability to pursue careers related to the music industry. With an associate's degree students will be able to find employment in media production, music recording, musical journalism, and more. Students who choose to enroll in an online educational program can learn about:

  • music theory
  • history
  • songwriting

...and other related subjects. With an accredited associate's degree program students will gain the skills to pursue a bachelor's degree or enter the workforce.

Accredited online schools are available to offer educational training at a bachelor's degree level. A bachelor's degree can take around four years to complete for those looking to study music. Curriculum may vary depending on the students desired career outcome but may consist of courses in production, theory, performance, instruments, and more. Students who earn an accredited bachelor's degree will obtain the skills and knowledge needed to work as music directors, instrument designers, band directors, and more. A degree at a bachelor's level will allow students to pursue higher education and earn a masters degree if they desire.

There are numerous schools that offer accredited online master's degree programs which allow students to acquire skills in a variety of areas. A master's degree in music can take students an additional year depending on their specialization and educational goals. Online coursework may consist of studying music history, sound, recording, technology, and other courses. With a masters degree program students can train to become music teachers, musical historians, musicologists, researchers, and more. Certificate programs can also be completed online after obtaining a masters degree if students choose to acquire specialized education.

A doctorate program in music can also be earned through a number of online educational programs. Students can complete career training at this level with an additional two years of study. Accredited schools and colleges allow students to study subjects like sound technology, musical recording, genres, instrument repair, teaching, and other areas of study. Online programs train students for careers like music coordinator, music therapist, band director, music teacher, and other related professions. With a doctorates degree students can pursue the career of their dreams.

With accredited degrees and certificates available from various online music schools and colleges students can train for a career without leaving home. Accredited online educational prospects present a way for students and professionals to obtain the career training they desire.

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