The Importance of School Music Programs

Music has always been an important aspect in today’s modern society. Throughout the 20th century, music has been used in a variety of ways. During the Vietnam War, U.S. troops would blare rock and roll music from their helicopters when attacking the enemy, in order to create a type of scare tactic. At the same time in history, peaceful war protesters would amble through Washington, D.C., singing lines like “Smile on your brother, try to love one another right now” (The Youngbloods). In fact, many people say that the Baby Boomer generation could be summed up with a few songs. Music defined that generation; however, newer generations are losing the ability to define themselves. Without music programs or lessons, the songs that many people reflect on with good memories would never exist. The world today may not have experienced the protest bands, touching ballads, or folk tunes that artists have contributed over the years. Today’s children are the world’s future artists. Through the No Child Left Behind Act, science and math have become the most important subjects in schools. School music programs have drifted away into the background of what is crucial to a well-rounded education. Children today are not receiving the kind of musical education they should be learning. Music programs are important to have in schools because they teach discipline, inspire teamwork, and create an appreciation for the arts.

Teaching children discipline can be a challenging task for anyone. Whether it is taught through daily chores or schoolwork, discipline is a fundamental lesson to learn while growing up, and one that should be taught in schools. An excellent way to teach children discipline is through music. Music teaches a child discipline through all of the time spent practicing an instrument and preparing for a recital. In addition, the child involved in music will not feel like he or she is being forced to learn. Most children love playing instruments. It is also important to

praise a child’s discipline. In his article “The Power of Peer Role Modeling”, Gerald Slavet says that “when we celebrate kids’ discipline and passion there’s a focus to what they’re doing, and that focus says to the world, “This is important”” (61). In life, discipline is needed in a person’s career, family, and economic choices. A child needs to be taught discipline for his or her future, and a school music program would meet this void.