March is Music In Our School's Month! As a big believer in music helping kids to learn, I felt this was a great topic to discuss this month. Music education is in danger of being lost in our schools due to budget cuts. Can you imagine life without music? I can’t, and I never want to have to either. My life is happier with it, and I know my love of music is being transferred to my children as well. There is nothing more exciting for me to watch than my son teaching himself how to play a song on the piano by ear. I can’t wait for the day my children can join band at school, and learn to play even more instruments. I think it enhanced my school career, and I hope it will do the same for them.

Parents must become involved in their schools so they can ensure music education remains a part of the curriculum every year. It is generally the first thing cut when funds run low in the budget. It is important to stay informed on what your children’s schools are doing and they are planning for the future. Without the arts, our children are not getting the full education we all wish for them.

Being raised by a music teacher has probably made me a bit more passionate about this subject, but I feel it should be something all parents should feel strongly about, regardless of their personal music experiences. “Studies have linked active music making with better language and math ability, improved school grades, better-adjusted social behavior, and improvements in ‘spatial-temporal reasoning,’ which is the foundation of engineering and science.” (The Music Edge.com) I know I would not have done as well in math had I not understood tempos and notes. Fractions were fun as long as I related them to the music I played!

If your children’s school is at risk of losing its music programs, form groups with other parents to fight. Research everything and present your argument. If an election will decide the music program’s fate, make sure all parents are registered to vote and remind them daily to vote in the election to ensure victory! You would be surprised how many parents say they support the program, but fail to follow through in their actions.

Playing in band and singing in choirs in school is what made it fun. I still look back at my school days with a fond heart for all I did, and I know it made me a more confident and happy person throughout it all. I made friends outside “my circle” and was able to participate in shows, pep rallies and the like. It did not take up any more time than a sport or other activity, and I felt it enhanced my experience in more ways than I can describe. I hope my children will feel the same, and I will encourage them to join as soon as they can. If they choose not to participate, I will not push. But I really feel they will, because they already show an appreciation for it at their young ages.

By introducing music to your children at a young age, you are teaching them to love to learn. They will be more willing to try new things. “Music nurtures the human spirit, promotes personal development, and is central to learning and the creative process. Music and the arts are as essential to a well-rounded education as literacy, math and science. Music, both in and out of the classroom, promotes physical well-being and social understanding and helps build bridges within local and global communities.” (MUST Create.org)

I think music teachers are special people, and my father is definitely one of them. He once said he has never gone to work a day in his life, because he does not consider teaching children how to play music “work,” and he has been doing it for over 30 years. He loves teaching children and thrives on watching their musical abilities grow. He has fought for the music programs in the schools he has taught in several times over the years and has won each time. I know his love and passion for music has been passed on to my children and me. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I hope it will always continue to be.

To find out about ways you can help keep music in your schools, or if you are just interested in finding out more about how you can encourage your children to participate, check out these websites:

American Music Conference
VH1 Save The Music

I hope this month you will take time out to explore music with your children and share in all the joy it can bring to your lives.

~Host Julie is a musical Mom to two singing boys, one who is also a budding pianist. She hopes her boys will always have the option of studying music in school.