What's your opinion on music as a part of elementary education?

Question

I have always wondered why isn't music part of basic education? Shouldn't schools incorporate that as a major subject?

Answer 1

It all depends on where you live. Every elementary school my daughter has been in has offered music as a part of the learning class. In fact, the teachers often use music as a way to help the children learn their lessons, especially with reading and rhyming.

I think the main place that has been seeing a major cut in not just music, but all the arts, is high school. They have so much they have to teach the kids to get them ready for college that they don't have time to teach them music anymore. That's why I think the US needs to go to a system like Britain, with the high schools prepping the kids for a certain career field, instead of trying to pump them with so much information, most of which they'll never use again.

Kaplump - Actually, Florida is ranked #30 in Elementary school education in the country. So while not the best, not among the worst in the country either. And as a parent that has had to move her child to three different states for schooling (Florida, Utah, Idaho), I'd vote Florida as the best of the three for introducing the arts to the kids. Utah has been the best with increasing her mathematical skills (though that could be because she is older). They've all been similar in reading skills.

Answer 2

I am currently majoring in Music Education with the hopes of working with Elementary aged children, and I really believe that a lot of the reason why it isn't "more important" in some schools is because of a lack of funding, and a lack of good and willing teachers. I was lucky enough to be a part of a more wealthy community and my public schools always had great music programs... so I guess it depends on where you look. I'm glad to hear that a lot of people agree music at a young age is so important- that means I'll have a job!

Answer 3

Schools don't have enough money to give a good education, so they only teach the core subjects and the extras they can get funding for. I don't think anyone would argue that math and reading are more important than music, but I hate to think that music could be cut out of so many school programs.

While there are more important things than music, music is as important as physical education, government, history, art, most sciences and other subjects that aren't in the 3 R's. It is important that people who are able to express themselves with music be given the chance to develop this talent--in addition to being a form of expressing ideas that don't come through in prose, the process of hearing and making music connects the neurons in the brain in good ways.

Our educators shouldn't have to choose what parts of our children's educations to leave out--we should fund schools well enough that they can get a complete education.

Answer 4

Depending on where it is, a lot of schools don't have music as a major subject. Sometimes the funding isn't there so certain subjects like music gets cut. It seems that america can spend billions of dollars a day on a illegal and immoral war in iraq for oil but it doesn't have money for education for it's future.

I remember taking music and art in school and loving it. Being creative in any form is one of the highest forms of expression.

All the creative arts, music, dance, art, etc. should be taught and encouraged. I think those options should definitely be there for kids. Not mandatory, but optional.

Great question☺

Answer 5

Some schools do include it, but not enough of them, and in most cases it takes the form of a voluntary after school program. When I was in grade school I always resented that we were required to play sports in P.E. but were not required to learn music, which I would have infinitely preferred.

Incidentally, I think that logic should be added to elementary education as well, starting at about 3rd grade. Nothing too complicated at that level, of course, just the most basic stuff like statement structure, and maybe logical fallacies by about 6th grade. I remember the "critical thinking" sections at the end of reading assignments in grade school, and looking back, there was nothing critical about them.

Answer 6

for my area, this is going to heavily impression a baby's destiny musical tastes. case in point my mom and father(or my dad a minimum of) introduced me up enjoying distinctive classic and a few imprecise rock. One song in specific replace into American Pie with the help of Don Mclean. As for destiny training and all that varieties of business enterprise, i rather don't be attentive to.

Answer 7

Music expands thinking and thought processes. Unfortunately, many schools have significant financial problems. If the choice is between children learning to read, write and have basic math skills versus music, I would also have to go with reading, writing and arithmetic. It is tragic.

Answer 8

as with all talent we should encourage the natural skills each person is born with .many people have the ability to play but have not the ability to learn completely the art of music .i would hope that in the future the child would have a opportunity to be exposed to music in a learning format at a young age

Answer 9

Quite honestly, I would love to see the schools teach art, music, dance and many other things. However, sadly most school systems do not have the funds needed to bring these things to fruition.

Suggested fix next time you see a funding increase on the ballot for your local school board vote for it and promote it when talking with friends and coworkers. Schools cannot provide what we refuse to pay for.

Answer 10

Music excerises the brain. It provides inspiration. But, some children may not like music. I never understood why I ever needed to know music notes. Most people listen to music on their own spare time.