WSMA board perspective
The Affect of Music on Life Scott Pierce, WSMA Board Member
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This edition of Wisconsin School Musi- cian has as its theme “Educator Affective- ness,” “teaching with affect is at the heart of music education.” When you think of how the sounds of music affect your senses, as Barry Goldstein identifies, “... how music affects the brain and mood by engaging emotion, memory, learning and neuroplasticity,” we can understand how a quality music program in our schools can enhance certain brain functions (http://
www.consciouslifestylemag.com/music- and-the-brain-affects-mood/).
We have heard that music can have a positive impact on increased math skills. In an article, “Correlation Between Math and Music Ability,” (https://www.
brainbalancecenters.com/blog/2015/04/ correlation-between-math-and-music- ability/) “…not all researchers agree that listening to music helps cognition and math skills, but enough studies show a cor- relation on how it might benefit students struggling to keep up with their peers. In fact, Einstein used to sit and play music when he was stuck on a mathematical problem. By concentrating on the prob- lem at hand (left brain) while playing the piano or violin (right brain), he was able to strengthen the communication between the two hemispheres of his brain and in- crease brainpower.”
In another article, “The Connection Between Music and Math,” (https://
www.musicedmagic.com/research/the- connection-between-music-and-math. html) the author writes, “…During a child’s growth, it’s important to have mu- sic as a part of their life. Studies show that children who are active in music, whether as a result of playing an instrument or lis- tening to a wide variety of music, perform better in math. The studies indicate that this is a result of their brains developing in such a way that they are able to discern patterns and repetition among the musical notes.” This article is not to focus on the correlation between the benefits of music and math, but it is to comment on the af- fective benefits we can all realize when we are exposed to various musical genre.
As a high school administrator for over 40 years and a parent, it has always intrigued me to see students who are deeply engaged in their high school studies with their ear buds (we used to call them headphones) with music blaring away. Here again, there are many scholarly articles on the affect of music on studying or as some call it, cognitive performance.
In one article, “The Impact of Listening to Music and Cognitive Performance,” (
http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/ articles/762/the-impact-of-listening-to- music-on-cognitive-performance) part of the article states, “…Many students listen to music to alleviate the emo- tional effects of stress and anxiety when
“It is our responsibility as school leaders, music teachers and lovers of the arts to ensure our music
programs continue and flourish in our schools…”
engaged in complex cognitive processing, such as studying for a test, completing homework assignments, or while reading and writing.”
As an educational teacher and administra- tor for over 44 years, I think of the many times when interviewing candidates for various teaching and leadership positions, one quality or characteristic I would al- ways look for in candidates is their affect. How do they demonstrate their affect as an educator? I have interviewed many candidates who have many skills but if I don’t sense the passion, the child centered emotion that comes out of the interview, I am honestly turned off by the candidate.
When I think of the affect music has and has had on my life and the importance it plays in my overall feelings and attitude, I know the affect that music can have on the lives of our developing youth. It is our responsibility as school leaders, music teachers and lovers of the arts to ensure our music programs continue and flourish in our schools now and into the future. Imagine what our lives would be without it!
Scott Pierce is district administrator for Central High School District of Westosha, Salem.
Email:
spierce17@wi.rr.com 10 April 2017
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