wisconsin music educators association president
• Making music improves memory by helping the brain in its quest to cre- ate patterns for storing and retriev- ing information.
• Playing an instrument – at any age, but especially in youth – improves executive function and sharpens focus.
I’ve got dozens more of these, and the research keeps coming.
Why Does Any of This Matter?
Of all people, music teachers have always known that music is one of the best things a young person can do (and they can do it for the rest of their life). And unlike the “tested subjects,” we have always had to advocate for our content area, in an educational
ecosystem that pays lip service to the arts, but still often sees music as a nice “extra,” or just for certain kids with special talents.
The inherent power of music to capture the human experience, and express it in sound, is still its strongest feature. Adding neuro- science to music’s benefits might seem like one more “music makes you smarter” fad. But I see it differently.
First, I have new talking points with school leadership and especially the science of reading folks. This is no longer a music teacher’s opinion about the place of music in schools – it’s established science.
Even more importantly, this new research is showing me that what I have always known, what I have witnessed over my
long career – that mysterious power of music to transform lives – now has science paying close attention. And what scientists are discovering about our deep biological, neurological connection to this ancient art is giving me new language to explain it and new advocacy tools.
It’s also given me new inspiration for when the work is hard. Yes, I chose a great career.
See you at the State Music Conference! You’ll be so glad you made time for it.
Randal Swiggum is the arts teacher leader for the Madison Metropolitan School District, and has taught choir, orchestra and general music in Wisconsin for over 30 years.
Email:
raswiggum@madison.k12.wi.us
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