Quick Fact About the Benefits of Music Education

“Singing to your child is so important. In contrast to recordings that sound exactly the same at every hearing, a mother fine-tunes her voice to her baby’s needs. When her baby is cheerful, she sings in an upbeat voice. When she is fretful, Mom sings in a soothing manner. Since babies can’t really regulate their own moods in the early months of life, a mother’s singing plays a vital role here.”

— Sandra E. Trehub, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto

Research News

Music, Especially by Bach, Reduces Stress

Music, particularly classical compositions by Bach, relieves stress, says a University of Hawaii music professor. “Of all the music we tested in medical school with patients, colleagues and others, Bach's music consistently made the brain work in a balanced way better than any other genre,” said Arthur Harvey, who is also an internationally known neuromusicologist.

Loudness, speed or tempo of music, the degree of dissonance and tone quality are primary elements of music that can affect health, behavior and emotions, Harvey said.

He created a recording called “Bach for the Morning,” intended for nursing home and hospital patients who “didn't wake up very nicely...Each piece gets a teeny bit faster, so it is a very helpful way to wake people up.”

He also has created a “Handel for Sleeping” recording and softly played Handel’s music during a recent interview in his office at Calvary-by-the-Sea Lutheran Church, where he is musical director.

Harvey has taught for 45 years and studied music as a force in education, religion and health. For the past 20 years, he has been interested in learning more about “why and what happens” when music is played.

Therapeutically, he said, music “can be a tremendous intervention.” It can relieve pain and stress, calm the heart rate and blood pressure, affect physical responses for healing and growth, and stimulate creative thinking, he said.

But some music should be avoided, he said, pointing out excessively dissonant, loud and repetitive music can affect thinking, behavior and hearing. “And if you're impacted by emotional pulses, you tend to behave in a way that's not always rational.”

— Excerpted from the article by Helen Altonn from the Star Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29, 2004.

Special Section: Tips for Parents of Music Students

Music By Age
This article offers ways parents can encourage young children from birth to eight years old to learn about and enjoy music.

Sharing A World of Happiness with Children
MENC presents a free guide for parents, teachers, and caregivers to lead music activities for children (preK-4) using the songs of A World of Happiness, a Disney/Buena Vista Recordings/Borders Books and Records CD. The CD includes a variety of “feel good” songs delivered by celebrities from music, television, stage, and sports. Visit this link for the lessons, information about the CD, and other online resources.

Coming Attractions: Ray
Be on the look out for the movie on Ray Charles’ life titled, Ray. This movie is rated PG-13 and is best suited for older, late high-school aged children and adults. The movie stars Jamie Foxx and teaches the audience all about Ray Charles and the impact of his music on American culture and our musical heritage. Ray opened at theaters around the country on October 29. For the movie Web site, visit this link.

Americans for the Arts
Does your state have an arts education standard for your school? You can learn where your school district is in terms of arts education by checking on the Americans for the Arts Web site.

The Musicedge.com
Here’s a great site to explore today’s newest music trends and introduce your child to the world of music and the making of it. There is a time in every person’s life where they hear that first riff, or see their first band and say, “I want to do that.” This site is geared as a launching pad for the ambitions of tomorrow’s musicians – a place where they can go for information on up and coming bands, current stars and a comprehensive guide to finding the right instrument for your child to express themselves. Visit this site.

Article

Awaken Your Einstein, Scientists Sing the Praises of Music

Article

Beating the Odds: Students of Color Face Obstacles to Band Participation

Article

New Report Documents Sharp Decline of Music Education in CA Schools

Article

Governors, State Education Policymakers Urged to Embrace Arts Education

Important Development

Secretary of Education Rod Paige writes school superintendents telling them not to cut music and arts programs

Your Local Music Teacher Should Know About…

WLC
The World’s Largest Concert (WLC) is the highlight of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM®) each year in March. The WLC is a televised sing-along concert that links students around the world through music and now reaches an estimated 6 million students, teachers, and music supporters each year.

To assist teachers in preparing their students to participate, The World’s Largest Concert Teacher’s Guide, with reproducible student music and piano accompaniments, lesson plans, and activities for the WLC, is available in its entirety on the MENC site.

Click here for a list of stations that have registered to air the WLC. Always check your local listings to confirm, since airdate and time are subject to station manager discretion and could change if scheduling conflicts arise. If you aren’t receiving the WLC in your area, click here.

Hershey’s All-USA High School Band
The second-ever Hershey’s All-USA High School Band competition has begun. This band was created to honor the best high school-age band students from across the country. Outstanding students are selected for this honor based on their musical talent and academic achievement. Encourage high school music teachers in your area to nominate their outstanding music students for this honor. For more information, go to this link.

Music for National Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Each November Native American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage is celebrated to recognize tribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of the American Indian. MENC has created an informational Web page and musical resources for music teachers for this month which can be found at this link.

Just for MusicFriends

Donate Money to Music Education While you Shop!
While shopping online, be sure to visit ForSociety. ForSociety works with major retailers like Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, the Gap, as well as travel Web sites like Delta, Expedia, Hotwire, and national car rental chains to name only a very few. By shopping at these sites through ForSociety, the parent organization of MusicFriends (MENC) gets a commission donation at no additional cost to you. The money is then used to further music education!

A Star is Born!
Ever wondered what famous musician was born on this date? Take a look and see!

Learn about Concert Etiquette!
Share your knowledge with fellow concert goers and make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. Visit our etiquette Web page.

Contact Your Members of Congress With Your Concerns About Education!
This site makes getting in touch with your Senator or Representative easy.
Click here.

A Final Note

You can help promote MusicFriends by displaying your membership decal on your vehicle, by telling others about the Web site, and by distributing brochures when possible at community and school events. To receive a supply of brochures, please contact gretchenr@menc.org.

Read the previous MusicFriends newsletters:

• August, 2004
• May, 2004
• February, 2004
• November, 2003
• August, 2003
• May, 2003
• February, 2003
• November, 2002
• August, 2002
• May, 2002
• February, 2002
• November, 2001
• August, 2001
• May, 2001