There are many people who will take a music class or learn an instrument for fun. But it is more than just playing for fun or singing your heart out. Learning an instrument or singing can benefit a person in many ways, mentally and intellectually.
People may sign up for a music class to learn an instrument or sing for fun, but it can actually benefit you in many ways intellectually and mentally. Research shows that taking a music class can improve your academic performance. Learning an instrument or singing requires multitasking, which improves executive functions such as planning and reasoning and higher thinking. Regular practice stimulates the neural networks in your brain, resulting in an improvement in attention span, memory and problem solving skills. Children who participate in a music class are more likely to excel in subjects such as mathematics and English. Learning rhythm can lead to an improvement in subjects like foreign languages and science. With consistent practice a student can improve in all subjects.
Music can also improve our mental health. Life can get pretty stressful sometimes, especially for students who have a mountain of homework or are extremely busy with extracurriculars. But playing an instrument or singing is a great way to reduce stress. It can release endorphins into the brain, making us feel good. Many studies show that playing an instrument or singing can help lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. Music can do this because it stimulates neurotransmitters such as dopamine (the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure) and oxytocin (the neurotransmitter associated with trust and connection). Music can also bring others together, enhancing social connection and making others feel included.
There are many students at Oak Forest High School who are in the music programs. Some have just started to learn about music, while others have been playing for years. Many students at Oak Forest High School enjoy being in a music program and encourage others to join as well. Junior Joseph Damico, who has been in band for six years and choir for four years, said, “Yes, trust it’s so fun and easy.” Sophomore Autumn Fuentes, who has been a soprano in choir for four years, said, “These are relatively easy grades to get to boost your GPA.” Senior Mac Kolasa, who plays the oboe, flute, and trombone and has been in band for seven years, agreed that learning an instrument or singing can improve your memory: “Yes, I can learn things much quicker.” Damico said, “Absolutely, there is so much that goes into memorizing pieces for band and choir from movements, dynamics, speed, style, repetition parts with changes.” Mac Kolasa also agreed that learning an instrument can improve academic performance, saying “Yes, it helps with comprehension skills.” Senior Eleni Kolasa, who has been in band for seven years and plays the flute, agreed that playing an instrument can help relieve stress: “Yes, when I am sad I play my instrument, and it makes me feel better.” Fuentes agreed, “Absolutely it has. Music heals the soul and singing is such a great way to relieve stress.”
Students at Oak Forest High School also agree that parents should put their children into music classes. Damico said, “Yes, 100% I believe parents should put their kids into music at a young age and push them to continue it’s such a valuable skill to have and 9/10 you end up taking a career path with it.” Eleni Kolasa agreed, “If their child wants to.” Many students at Oak Forest High School agree that music has helped improve their cognitive skills and mental health, and these students, in turn, encourage others to sign up for a music class. There is widespread agreement among them that putting a child into a music program at a young age can benefit them a lot.
In conclusion, studies have shown that music has helped many people improve their academic performance and mental health, and there are students at Oak Forest High School who agree with these studies and want more people to try music and encourage parents to let their kids try music.
