HOW MUSIC HELPS IN EDUCATION
JESUSA B. BASCO
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.— Confucius.
Learning do-re-mis can help children excel in ways beyond the basic ABCs. Music provides children with a means of self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
Through the years, I have learned that there are inborn capacities in the language development of children that need to be reinforced, practiced, and celebrated in ways beyond reading. With students who can memorize Daniel Padilla’s ‘Nasa ‘Yo na ang Lahat’easier than Math formulas, I personally have proven that music learning supports all learning. Being musically inclined, it has played a great part on my advantage because I found it simple to make songs to the tune of the ones my students listen to during break time for the lessons they may find difficult. I enjoy every single night I have to spend writing lyrics based on the next day’s lectures, just to make sure they’ll like it just as much.
I understand that music can improve my students’abilities in learning and other non-music tasks, and that it’s important to understand that music does not make one smarter. However, it has been proven and tested in many of my classes that the inclusion of music makes Math, Sciences, and even English easier for kids to comprehend. Sometimes learning is not dependent on the language, and is easier with signs and symbols, with beats and claps – and I am more than obliged to apply such to aid my students in learning. Actually, I find it fun incorporating lessons with music together my students. I guess it is my inclination to music that makes it pleasurable to discuss lessons with music to enhance my students’skills and capacities.
Music, as I have proven, is not just about the notes and beats. It is also what prepares students for learning and achievement. It improves recall and retention of English lessons, advances Math achievement, and cultivates better learning skills.
This, I know; and this, I hope my fellow teachers find out real soon.
— oOo—
The author is ESHT III at San Isidro Elementary School, Minalin District, Minalin, Pampanga