Stephanie G. Mathis Now we have proof that music education is important not only for its own sake, but because it has a positive impact on literacy and language learning. The neuromusical field of research, which studies how music affects brain function, has revealed a great deal about the way the brain processes languages. also processes language the same as.
We need to make sure that our students have the cognitive frameworks they need.
We need to see music education not as “nice, but not essential”, but rather as a powerful complement.
Read more: Musical training can accelerate brain development and help with literacy skills
So what are states doing?
This knowledge has not yet been put into practice in Australia.
Since the 1980s, Queensland’s state-funded primary school music programs have been strong. There is a music classroom program in the state for all students (where there is a teacher available) and a low cost instrumental music program. In Queensland, a campaign is underway to ensure that every student receives a weekly music lesson.
Other states are not the same. Inequity persists despite efforts to improve music education.
In 2019, South Australia launched a Music Education Strategy and Music Innovation Fund . Victoria has created a Quality Music Education Framework that guides best practices. Tasmania, Western Australia, and the ACT all have music specialists in government primary schools. In New South Wales, general classroom teachers are responsible for all the curriculum in government schools, including music.
How important is music?
Music can help improve literacy
Let’s take literacy development as an illustration. It is obvious that if literacy scores are below what’s required or expected, the best solution would be to devote more time to literacy learning. This is the approach that has been taken in the last five years.
NAPLAN scores haven’t improved significantly. The dial moved very little.
Read more: Reading progress is falling between year 5 and 7, especially for advantaged students: 5 charts.
So, the obvious “more time” approach is not yielding higher literacy achievement. Might we then look to research outside the literacy field for the next steps in improving literacy in our schools?
Yes. Music education, a field that is traditionally outside literacy education, has helped us understand how the brain develops language understanding and application.
Neuromusical research pinpointed brain mechanisms and interactions that decode sounds of language to understand and develop syntax, right up to the creation and comprehension of meaning using language. The research has revealed that the brain processes language like music.
What does this mean to literacy education and its current measure of effectiveness, NAPLAN? This means that we are missing an important foundation for language development, namely the development of auditory processing networks to their highest levels.
Put, if the child can’t hear the sound, that is, they can’t process it correctly in their auditory system, then they won’t be able to speak. If they can’t read, then they won’t be able to talk.
Music helps children to become more aware of the sounds in language. Shutterstock
Read more: Music engagement and achievement predicts higher grades in math, science and English.
The costs of inaction are high.
The research about the potential of music education to improve cognition is extensive and compelling. The research shows that high-quality, consistent music education enhances general learning. Music learning is not just for musicians. It benefits everyone.
Waiting and not resolving issues in music education throughout Australia is costly. It’s a matter of equity. The state in which a child attends school can affect their cognitive development because of the lack of quality music education.
The longer we delay addressing the inequity, the less qualified music educators will be in Australia. We identified in our report Music Education: A Solid Investment that Australia is on the verge of a shortage of music educators. In addition to the widespread teacher shortage, there are only a handful of universities that offer primary music teaching specialization. It is urgent to ensure that there are enough teachers in all schools so that children don’t lose out.
Politicians and policymakers are not the first to ignore research findings when it comes to education. The failure to understand the larger picture of each child’s growth has long-lasting effects.
Education should focus on preparing students for a productive and full life. Music is a vital part of ensuring that students have the best foundation possible for their education.
