Music is extremely popular in our society today. From synthesizers to a simple tambourine, musical instruments are the basis of why beats become so popular, and their power is recognizable.  In 2016, 334 million headphone units were sold throughout the globe (statista.com). All of the genres, artists, venues and instruments we hear and see currently all share one thing in common: the passion for music. Only in my recent years I have discovered my passion for music. Throughout my life, I was violin player for my public school orchestra. In the early years, I despised the instrument and the orchestra. I found myself constantly asking “what’s the point?” After sticking with the little talent I had, high school came along, and with practice came skill and passion. In the Fall of 2015 I found myself playing in theatres all throughout Cuba on my first music tour. We brought life, emotion, and power to the locals of Havana and Santa Clara. Music education in our nation’s schools needs to be stressed in today’s world. This form of learning is unlike any other. It improves the individual mindset, analytical reasoning, and can form bonds unlike any other. Additionally, music education can lead to opportunities and pathways one would never expect.

“What makes music different?” one may ask. There are multiple unseen benefits of simply just listening and comprehending to music. There is science behind these sounds that artists and producers combine to create rhythms and tones. Music is like a tool: humans use it to wake up in the morning, get pumped up for a sporting event, or to go to sleep using a soothing mood. It plays a part in our everyday lives, no matter if one notices it or not. Medically, music is being used to treat patients with neurological deficiencies. Melodic intonation therapy is a technique that uses music to manipulate parts of the brain to slowly heal parts that are damaged. This method can help people regain their speech, even recover from strokes and Alzheimer’s disease (Mannes). Mannes also makes the point that “music is the only art to penetrate our bodies.” This is one of the many reasons why music is a unique art form. Drawing, acting, and dance do not have the artistic power to heal someone. Biologically, music is the most efficient art form for our bodies: 

"The ear has a head start over the eye, which doesn't see anything until it comes out. The eye is also something that one can control more fully. If you don't like the way I look, and you don't want to see me, you close your eyes and I disappear. But if you don't like my voice and you're in the same room, then you cannot shut your ears in a natural way. Sound literally penetrates the human body.” (Barenboim).

Humans physically cannot block out sound at any point, unlike our sight. We are forced to hear anything that happens around us. Yes, one can lower the speaker or unplug their headphones, but our bodies were made to intake sounds as they occur. Sound is the only natural element we can be forced to experience. Music is crucial to the human brain; it’s a one of a kind art. Music’s influence stretches far beyond the individual. Globally, music has an impact on nations, most prominently during wartime. 

Throughout U.S. history, music has played a tremendous role in nations that endure hardships or go to war. Songs like the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful are tunes that strike a nationalistic mood in our heads. Artists such as Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan have produced songs that express feeling throughout wartime.  In particular, the Civil War was greatly influenced by music. From the war songs of the North to the fighting songs of the South, the Civil war produced its “fair share of compositions.” The unique part about music during the Civil War – these songs had the power to “soothe and uplift” a nation as it was falling apart. Some songs of the south were rather tragic, including lines such as “I hate the constitution (Farley). Regardless of these lyrics, music was a great tool to inspire groups of people. The southern war music still provides a basis of melancholy melodies that are used in tracks today. The Vietnam war had spawned songs that express both American patriotism and the hardships of this specific war. “Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen had explored the pain and confusion of a returning war veteran. Yes, this track is a patriotic song about fighting abroad, however it also opened American’s eyes to what “patriotism” really means. It’s not only about fighting over seas. Americans realized true patriotism also included taking care of people in need at home as well. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Bono had gathered young performers such as Alicia Keys and Destiny’s Child to raise money for AIDS charities. Images of the world trade center were included in the performance to make it more relevant to the current mood of America. On October 2, 2001, a tribute to Beatle John Lennon had evolved into not only a tribute for him, but additionally New York City and the World Trade Center (Farley). 

Not only does music have the power to unite domestically, music unites nations around our globe. The power of music to unite has been discussed in some important national meetings and discussions. In a United Nations speech, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan emphasizes how music can mold the world together. Annan makes music an unexpected subject in his speech, however it grabs the attention of the audience rather well. “Music both shapes and reflects society”, says Annan … “dancers follow its beat, protestors use it to find their voice. It can promote ideals – like peace and solidarity – but it can also prepare armies for battle. It is part of almost every important personal and collective moment.” Annan’s words show that music directly has an impact on human’s everyday lives throughout the globe. He indirectly makes a point that music shapes who were are, what we do and how we do it. What intrigued me the most about Kofi’s words, however, is the way he described the “mysterious” side of music. He labels it as mysterious because scientists, nor musicians, can describe the power music gives our emotions. He describes how language of music “leaps” through boarders, and unites people of different cultural backgrounds (un.org).  Daniel Barenboim, a highly successful orchestra conductor, is an Argentinian born pianist and conductor. He is accredited with being one of the best pianist throughout the twenty and twenty-first centuries. Barenboim uses classical music to fuse nations together. In his concerts, he has both Palestinians and Israelis playing instruments side by side, along with uniting Arabs and Jews in his concerts. With a firm value for human rights, Daniel has helped the Palestinians understand the suffering of the Jewish people in Israel through music. He founded the West-Easter Divian orchestra, and every summer this group works to unite the Israel and Arab countries. By doing this, he’s helped create friendships, develop understanding, and heal emotional wounds. Additionally, The Proms is another example of a group uniting people of different religions and societies. This group has been successful for over 114 years to this day. They use the widest possible range of music, performed to the highest standards to large audiences. They’re music is also transmitted via radio around the globe (ourfutureplanet.co.uk).

These groups show how classical music is truly empowering. People have not only come together but have taken control of their own lives. In different countries around the world, classical music has allowed people to learn to love their neighbors as people from different religions and boarders play side by side in big name concert venues. Additionally, by physically playing instruments side by side, people of diverse backgrounds can unite by forming friendships and understanding how other people learn, as proven by these orchestras. 

Learning an instrument has been proven to benefit learning, communication and analytical skills. Musical skills provide lasting benefits; it’s in no way just about playing an instrument and hearing the ring that comes out of it. These learning outcomes provided by music are crucial to our future and to contemporary society. Today, we see children with their eyes glued to screens. More than ever, our globe needs insightful thinking in this revolutionary day in age. A two yearlong Swiss study which involved 50 secondary schools showed that students involved in music courses were also better at languages, learned to read more easily, showed an improved social life, and had less levels of stress than non-music students (musicforall.org). Instruments provide a gateway for children who may struggle in the classroom. 

Personally, I can attest to this claim. Ever since picking up an instrument, I’ve felt smarter in my everyday life. I’ve met people who have changed my life, and I’ve become more personable. In Cuba, I was able to connect with the locals and share the American music that they could only hear off of a CD for a while. The key to music education is exposing individuals at a very young age to this technique of learning. Richard Gill, an Australian conductor of choral, orchestral and operatic works believes that it is every human’s right to have access to music education as young children, simply because of “imitation” – the building block of how humans soak up new knowledge. By engaging children through basic clap rhythms, they need to listen and repeat, which requires focus. Gill says, “music is important because it is abstract. It doesn’t mean anything outside of itself. When we play a sound, you can interpret it as you wish … music does not describe, does not narrate, and does not tell stories. It evokes, suggests, implies and opens up the mind in an extraordinary way” (youtube.com). The freedom of music is what allows a child to transition into a new way of thinking. The repetition used in music education is what we use in our everyday lives, no matter if it’s in our job, the sport we play, or our study habits in school. 

Whether you like it or not, music is a part of our everyday lives. Services such as YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Music have made virtually every song accessible at our fingertips. The diverse style of music today has a massive influence on today’s youth. “The music environment is one of the most significant components that influences the younger generations aesthetic experience,” says Laima Murniece, an elementary school music teacher in Estonia. She goes on to describe how music education can balance children’s emotional aesthetic level to their mental estates, which can relieve the daily struggles of all children. The evidence is clear that music education has lasting benefits. It is a prime coping tool for the youth. 

The effectiveness of music education is highly debated due to the technological advances that are being made today. Many critiques view music education as “pointless” or “extra” in today’s fast paced society. Particularly, Danny Gregory poses an idea to take the “art” out of “art education.” He argues that art education lacks the freedom of creativity respect in the United States. “It’s just a way to keep children occupied” claims Gregory, “instead of teaching kids how to paint bowls of fruit and blow into a flute, we’d show them how to communicate a concept through a sketch … how to generate ideas, how to solve real world problems” (Gregory). Art and music education is already allowing children to become creative. In 91% of public schools, children can choose to draw, sing, dance, act, or play instruments, expanding their creative mindsets and allowing them to find their passions (Pellegrini). Yes, art education keeps kids busy, however it’s an outlet for many children, improving their intellectual minds and personable skills. Music does allow for the creative process; it’s proven by teachers and universities. 

Throughout our history, music has played an extensive role in the way the human species interacts and thinks. From social interactions to the functions of the brain, music has impacted major events, even war. From the Civil War to tragedies like 9/11, music provides an outlet for when things go wrong. It has the power to unite or divide, improve analytics, and strengthen bonds. Music education needs to be emphasized in today’s public schools. Music education is usually the first to go in public schools during budget cuts, simply because it is viewed as inferior to programs such as athletics. How would you feel if your passion, mental outlet from school or talent was taken away? The main reason why music stands out from art education is because it is abstract; it’s something one can’t see nor feel, and its interpretation is up for grabs, producing diverse minds in the youth. Not only is it scientifically beneficial to the brain, music has shown its prevalent global impact. Music education breeds well minded people, especially when the young brain is exposed to this type of teaching. This form of learning needs to be emphasized in today’s public education because of the lasting benefits. 
