Benefits of Music Education
There is a large growing body of research, articles and videos that explain all the different ways that listening to music and playing a musical instrument affect the brain.
We have collected some of the best videos, studies and research around the topic so that you can discover for yourself the benefits of playing a musical instrument.
Note: We will update it with relevant sections as time goes on.
Videos
How playing an instrument benefits your brain – Anita Collins
When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What’s going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians’ brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.
Music as Language
Music is a powerful communication tool–it causes us to laugh, cry, think and question. Bassist and five-time Grammy winner, Victor Wooten, asks us to approach music the same way we learn verbal language–by embracing mistakes and playing as often as possible.
Kids Transformed by Music
José Antonio Abreu is the charismatic founder of a youth orchestra system that has transformed thousands of kids’ lives in Venezuela. He shares his amazing story and unveils a TED Prize wish that could have a big impact in the US and beyond.
Books & Articles
This Is Your Brain On Music by Daniel J Levitin
This book does an excellent job of breaking down the science of music into easily understood pop-culture references so that anyone can pick it up and learn a lot about the human cultures obsession with music.
The Top 17 Ways Learning a Musical Instrument Gives You The Edge by Chris Ellis
Music is a powerful weapon and in the right hands it can be a great force for good. It has the power to bring people to their feet, bring them together, separate them, enrage them, or fill them with fervor for a just cause.
Visual Arts PD PDF
Download this Visual Artd PD pdf for tips on: Seating Arrangement, Peripherals, Environment, Use of Music and more
Visual and Performing Arts BTSA 2017 – Presentation
Open the presentation below to learn about:
- What are the Visual and Performing Arts
- Teaching the ‘Whole Child’
- Guiding Principles of the Arts Content Standards to Support Arts Education
- California Visual and Performing Arts Standards
- and more