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Why Music?

(from Elizabethtown Area High School Band website: http://www.etownschools.org/Page/8526)

 This page has been developed to show links to websites that parents can use to help their children understand the importance of music in their lives.  There is more and more data and research that is showing the significance of a quality music education.

 

*By clicking the links below, you will be leaving the Wamego Public Schools USD 320 website and the district cannot insure that sites beyond this point are appropriate, safe or secure. Any information posted beyond this point does not necessarily reflect the opinions of USD 320. If you choose to proceed, what you may encounter is not under the control of USD 320.

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Articles

2016-2017

 

A Child's Brain Develops Faster with Exposure to Music

https://musiceducationworks.wordpress.com/2016/06/19/a-childs-brain-develops-faster-with-exposure-to-music/ 

 

10 Reasons Why We Need Music in Schools 

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-reasons-why-we-need-music-in-schools 

 

Why High School Musicals Should Be as Respected as Sports Programs Are

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-musicals-should-be-as-respected-as-sports-programs 

 

4 Ways Parents Can Ensure Their Child Sticks with Instrumental Music when They Graduate to Middle School 

http://www.nafme.org/4-ways-parents-can-ensure-their-child-sticks-with-instrumental-music-when-they-graduate-to-middle-school/?platform=hootsuite 

 

Music Improves the Brain

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/4475080/music-improves-the-brain/ 

 

KU Research Establishes Link Between Music Education, Academic Achievement

https://news.ku.edu/2014/01/14/ku-research-establishes-link-between-music-education-and-academic-achievement 

 

A Parent's Guide to Music Practicing

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2017/02/09/parents-guide-music-practicing/ 

 

How to Advocate for Music Education (Even When You Have No Idea How to Do So) 

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2016/12/12/advocate-music-education-no-clue/ 

 

Marching Band: The Art that Taught Me Everything I Needed to Know about Life

http://www.theodysseyonline.com/marching-band-art-taught-everything-needed-about-life 

 

10 Ways High School Marching Band Prepared Me for College

http://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-ways-high-school-marching-band-prepared-me-college 

 

If You Want to Accelerate Brain Development in Children, Teach Them Music 

http://www.worldofhealthandwellness.com/accelerate-brain-development-teach-music/ 

 

Doctors Now Prescribing Music Therapy

http://didgeproject.com/therapeutics/doctors-now-prescribing-music-for-heart-ailments-brain-dysfunction-learning-disabilities-depression-ptsd-alzheimers-and-more/ 

 

Music Education: What Students Want, What the Workforce Needs

http://gettingsmart.com/2014/08/music-education-students-want-workforce-needs/ 

 

Why We Need Music in our Schools

http://child1st.com/blogs/resources/137189895-why-we-need-music-in-our-schools 

 

Apparently the Cool Kids Were in Band After All

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/apparently-cool-kids-were-high-school-band-after-all 

 

How Music Can Improve Memory

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/09/22/how-music-can-improve-memory/ 

 

Creativity and the Brain: What We Can Learn from Jazz Musicians

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/04/11/the-link-between-jazz-improvisation-and-student-creativity/ 

 

Can Music Help Low-Income Kids Close the Academic Gap

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/10/12/can-music-help-low-income-students-close-the-academic-gap/ 

 

The Importance of Keeping a Beat: Researchers Link Ability to Keep a Beat to Reading, Language Skills  

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-09-importance-link-ability-language-skills.html 

 

2015-2016 

 

Why I'm Glad I Participated in My School's Music Program

http://theodysseyonline.com/bgsu/why-glad-participated-schools-music-program/333850 

 

5 Ways to Support Your Music Program

http://www.nafme.org/take-action/5-ways-to-support-your-music-program/ 

 

Learning an Instrument also Teaches Life Lessons

http://www.ctpost.com/music/article/Learning-an-instrument-also-teaches-kids-life-6012492.php?cmpid=twitter 

 

3 Reasons Why-Now More Than Ever-America Needs Music in Its Schools

http://www.nafme.org/3-reasons-why-now-more-than-ever-america-needs-music-in-its-schools/ 

 

Why Kids Need Music in Their Life

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jared-joffe/why-kids-need-music-in-th_b_7339558.html 

 

Music Hits a High Note in Education - Finally!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lydia-kontos/music-hits-a-high-note-in-education_b_9009406.html

 

How Music Trumps Reading for Childhood Development

http://time.com/4089699/childhood-development-music/ 

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Five Minds and Music

http://cmbonar.wordpress.com/2015/12/08/five-minds-and-music/ 

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A Teacher's Perspective:  The Power of Music

http://www.nafme.org/a-teachers-perspective-the-power-of-music/ 

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A Thank You Letter to High School Marching Band

http://theodysseyonline.com/north-georgia/thank-you-letter-high-school-marching-band/225028 

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Why I’d Spend a Lot More Time Practicing Scales If I Could Do It All Over Again -

http://www.creativitypost.com/arts/why_id_spend_a_lot_more_time_practicing_scales_if_i_could_do_it_all_over_ag 

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Musicians' Brains Really Do Work Differently - In a Good Way

http://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2014/11/20/365461587/musicians-brains-really-do-work-differently-in-a-good-way

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3 Ways It Takes a Community to Develop a Great Music Program

http://www.nafme.org/3-ways-it-takes-a-community-to-develop-a-great-music-program-2/

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Why is Music Education Important

http://todaysmenzone.com/why-is-music-education-important/

 

Happier Students, Higher Scores: The Role of Arts Integration

http://www.theedadvocate.org/happier-students-higher-scores-the-role-of-arts-integration/ 

 

Why Scheduling More Performances Will Save Your Child's Life (and Your Music Program)

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/12/01/why-scheduling-more-performances-will-save-your-childs-musical-life-and-your-music-program/ 

 

Music Lessons Spur Emotional and Behavioral Growth in Children, New Study Says

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/01/07/music-lessons-spur-emotional-and-behavioral-growth-in-children-new-study-says/ 

 

The Top Reasons College Band Kids Are Successful after College

http://www.collegemarching.com/content/the-top-reasons-college-band-kids-are-successful-after-college 

 

Apparently the Cool Kids Were in High School Band After All

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/apparently-cool-kids-were-high-school-band-after-all

 

Band Demand: High School Marching Band Programs Require Discipline, Pride

http://cumberlink.com/news/local/education/article_3bfb1e5b-e70c-5f46-affd-f8c255698a11.html

 

Who Actually Quits Musical Instrument Instruction - Children or Their Parents?

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/10/14/who-actually-quits-musical-instrument-instruction-children-or-their-parents/

 

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin a Musical Instrument

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/03/10/3-things-parents-must-tell-their-children-when-they-begin-a-musical-instrument/

 

6 Invaluable Lessons All Marching Band Directors Teach Their Students

http://www.retale.com/blog/invaluable-lessons-all-marching-band-directors-teach-their-students/

 

Why Should I Send My Child to Private Music Lessons?

http://mattixmusic.com/send-child-private-music-lessons/

 

High School Band Classes May Boost Teen Brains

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015/07/24/high-school-band-classes-may-boost-teen-brains?utm_source=usn_tw

 

6 Things I Learned from My High School Band Director

http://theodysseyonline.com/dayton/6-things-learned-high-school-band-director/135360

 

Cognitive Benefits of Being a Musician

http://pianodao.com/2015/08/09/cognitive-benefits-of-being-a-musician/

 

Six Reasons Why the Arts Are the Ideal Vehicle to Teach 21st Century Success Skills

http://blog.americansforthearts.org/2013/08/21/six-reasons-that-the-arts-are-the-ideal-vehicle-to-teach-21st-century-success-skills

 

Science Just Discovered Something Amazing About What Childhood Piano Lessons Did to You

http://mic.com/articles/108022/science-just-discovered-something-amazing-about-what-childhood-piano-lessons-did-to-you

 

Why Music? Why Band?

http://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-music-band-tim-lautzenheiser-grant-johnston

 

Is Music the Key to Success?

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?_r=1&referrer

 

Playing Chamber Music Is the Best Way for Children to Learn an Instrument

http://www.thestrad.com/cpt-latests/playing-chamber-music-is-the-best-way-for-children-to-learn-an-instrument/ 

 

Student Has Amazing Breakthrough by Doing What Teacher Says

http://www.throwcase.com/2014/10/27/student-has-amazing-breakthrough-by-doing-what-teacher-says/ 

 

An End-of-Year Letter to New Music Parents

http://getbanded.com/an-end-of-year-letter-to-new-music-parents/

 

A Musical Fix for American Schools

http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-musical-fix-for-american-schools-1412954652

 

Bringing Back What Works in Education

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katherine-damkohler/bringing-back-what-works-_b_6754458.html

 

Marching Beyond Halftime

http://www.marchingbeyondhalftime.com/

 

Musicians Have Better Long-term Memory

http://www.science20.com/news_articles/musicians_have_better_longterm_memory-149457

 

9 Common Lessons of Music Education that Translate into Success

http://www.nafme.org/39787/?utm_content=buffer40d97&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

 

20 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools

http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/#.VAnmZQ6kAXM.twitter

 

We're All on the Same Team

http://www.amparents.org/were-all-on-the-same-team/ 

 

Music Is Food for the Soul, Not Fodder for Learning Standards

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laurie-levy/music-is-food-for-the-sou_b_5822784.html 

 

Let the Kid Study Music, Already!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/09/03/let-the-kid-study-music-already/ 

 

The Extraordinary Benefits of Music Education

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/the-extraordinary-benefits-learning-music.html

 

Creativity and the Brain: What We Can Learn from Jazz Musicians

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/04/11/the-link-between-jazz-improvisation-and-student-creativity/

 

How Music Can Improve Memory

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/09/22/how-music-can-improve-memory/ 

 

Why Do Music Students Have Higher SAT Scores?

http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/music-students-have-higher-sat-scores-but-why-58468

 

Music Training Sharpens Brain Pathways, Studies Say

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/11/25/13music.h33.html 

 

5 Reasons Why Music Classes Are the Best Test Prep for Your Kids

http://dadsroundtable.com/other/teaching-and-education/2014/03/5-reasons-why-music-classes-are-the-best-test-prep/

 

New Evidence of Mental Benefits from Musical Training

http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/new-evidence-brain-benefits-music-training-83761 

 

What Everybody Ought to Know about Band

http://www.amparents.org/what-everybody-ought-to-know-about-band/

 

Two Million Reasons Why Band Kids Are So Responsible

http://www.amparents.org/have-you-ever-considered/ 

 

Why I'd Spend a Lot More Time Practicing Scales if I Could Do It All Over Again

http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/why-id-be-a-lot-more-diligent-about-practicing-scales-if-i-could-do-it-all-over-again/

 

Unpacking the Science: How Playing Music Changes the Learning Brain

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/07/22/unpacking-the-science-how-playing-music-changes-the-learning-brain/

 

How Music Education Powers the STEAM Movement

http://neatoday.org/2014/07/16/how-music-education-powers-the-steam-movement/ 

 

Musicians are Probably Smarter Than the Rest of Us

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/20/music-intelligence_n_904124.html?utm_content=buffer4085f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

Music Education Starts Early with Parents as Key Partners

http://m.toledoblade.com/Education/2014/07/13/Music-education-starts-early-with-parents-as-key-partners.html 

 

The Benefits of Music Education

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/benefits/ 

 

Using Music to Close the Academic Gap

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/10/using-music-to-close-the-academic-gap/280362/

 

The Importance of Music Education in Schools

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/31/music.education.cake.difiore/

 

Twelve Benefits of Music Education

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/twelve-benefits-of-music-education/ 

 

Music Education and Childhood Brain Development

http://www.eduguide.org/article/music-education-and-childhood-brain-development

 

Why Does Music Make Us Feel?

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-music-make-us-fe/ 

 

Lessons from My Band Director

http://theodysseyonline.com/una/lessons-from-band-director/171441

 

8 Surprising Ways Music Affects and Benefits Our Brains

http://blog.bufferapp.com/music-and-the-brain 

 

Art Is Vital

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/06/why-kids-need-arts-in-education/373640/

 

Arts: The Full Value of Music Education

http://www.wacotrib.com/entertainment/accesswaco/david_a_smith/arts-the-full-value-of-music-education/article_f5c69504-3f77-5fa3-afbe-4b6afb2944d3.html?mode=jqm 

 

Music Changes the Way You Think

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/music-changes-the-way-you-think/

 

Musical Training Increases Blood Flow to the Left Side of the Brain

http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/6950/20140508/musical-training-increases-blood-flow-left-side-brain.htm 

 

What Is Music and the Arts' Place in the Real Mission of Our Education System?

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/10/20/what-is-music-and-the-arts-place-in-the-real-mission-of-our-education-system/ 

 

The Value of Music

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-ehnes/the-value-of-music_b_5172271.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

 

The Best Extra-Curricular Activity at Most High Schools Is Band, Particularly Marching Band

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/03/column_beating_the_drum_for_ma.html 

 

18 Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument

http://www.effectivemusicteaching.com/articles/directors/18-benefits-of-playing-a-musical-instrument/ 

 

Can Music Improve Athletic Performance?

http://www.innovauni.com/can-music-improve-athletic-performance/ 

 

How Brains See Music as Language

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/02/how-brains-see-music-as-language/283936/?utm_content=buffer3ca92&utm_source=facebook.com 

 

Educators Say that High School Band Students Have the Advantage in Several Ways

http://www.theledger.com/article/20130803/news/130809754

 

What Percentage of Students are "Meant" to Be Playing a Musical Instrument in School?

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/10/31/what-percentage-of-students-are-meant-to-be-playing-a-musical-instrument-in-school/

 

Why Extra Curricular Activities Aren't Extra

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/04/29/why-extra-curricular-activities-are-not-extra/

 

3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Kids When They Start a Musical Instrument

http://www.musicparentsguide.com/2015/03/10/3-things-parents-must-tell-their-children-when-they-begin-a-musical-instrument/ 

 

Ten Reasons Why People Who Learn Music Are More Likely to Be Successful

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-reasons-why-people-who-learn-music-are-more-likely-successful.html

 

Music Education Improves Students' Academic Performance, but Active Participation Is Required

http://www.medicaldaily.com/music-education-improves-students-academic-performance-active-participation-required-314508 

 

Why Music Majors Make Some of the Best Entrepreneurs

http://www.fastcompany.com/3037958/why-music-majors-make-some-of-the-best-entrepreneurs?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=colead-daily-newsletter-featured&position=2&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=11042014 

 

Why Musicians Are Better Multitaskers

http://theweek.com/articles/442813/why-musicians-are-better-multitaskers 

 

Study: Two Years of Music Education Improves Reading, Speech

http://www.educationnews.org/k-12-schools/study-two-years-of-music-education-improves-reading-speech/ 

 

Study: Music Really Does Make Kids Smarter

http://www.worldmag.com/mobile/article.php?id=31447 

 

Even a Few Years of Music Training Benefits the Brain

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/even-a-few-years-of-music-training-benefits-the-brain/ 

 

Musicians Are Probably Smarter Than the Rest of Us

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/20/music-intelligence_n_904124.html 

 

My View:  Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in Music Class

http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/20/my-view-everything-i-need-to-know-i-learned-in-music-class/ 

 

Op-Ed: Music in the Schools Teaches Lifelong Lessons

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/02/op-ed_music_in_the_schools_teaches_lifelong_lessons.html 

 

Why Your Teen Should Join Marching Band

http://alphamom.com/parenting/big-kid/why-your-teen-should-join-school-marching-band/ 

 

10+ Values Marching Band Students Learn

http://www.virtualmusicoffice.com/10-values-marching-band-students-learn/ 

 

Is Music the Key to Success?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 

 

New Evidence Links Music Education, Higher Test Scores

http://www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/new-evidence-links-music-education-higher-test-scores-64980

 

How Music Technology Can Boost Student Skills

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/08/15/music-technology-boosts-student-learning-skills/?ps=267783-0013000000j0uID-0033000000qi0AU 

 

Hearing the Music, Honing the Mind

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hearing-the-music-honing/ 

 

A Very Cool Look at High School marching Bands

http://www.charlesapple.com/2013/09/this-one-time-at-band-camp/ 

 

10 Fastest Growing Jobs in the USA

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/09/02/10-fastest-growing-jobs-in-usa/2750169/ 

 

Children's Ability to Follow a Beat May Impact Reading, Language Skills

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/18/childrens-ability-to-follow-beat-may-impact-reading-language-skills.html 

 

Videos

2016

Tim Lautzenheiser Speaks on the Benefit of Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMXDUKxhZaM&feature=youtu.be 

 

Jack Stamp "Why Music Matters"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw4vqll9cAM 

 

2015 

Why an "A" Is Not Enough

http://ed.ted.com/on/mcJkE1lF 

 

Parents Talk to Parents about Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGHY2Fog66g&feature=youtu.be 

 

Dan Levitin: Music and the Brain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsJl6Pys880 

 

The Value of the Arts as a Community Investment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImO8U6tFlXU 

 

I Make My Children Do Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6touXPAQhE&feature=youtu.be 

 

Marching Beyond Halftime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o9zrPdGDOM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id_Gp64_2Rk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcaeMCXtzzU 

 

How Playing and Instrument Benefits Your Brain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng

 

The Effects of Music on the Brain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUT9UTVrwp8 

 

Music Education and the Brain

http://vimeo.com/101367905 

 

Music Education Advocacy Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIRku__lrnA 

 

Richard Gill - The Value of Music Education

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKMh_y_MAKs&feature=youtu.be 

 

Charles Limb:  Your Brain on Improv

http://www.ted.com/talks/charles_limb_your_brain_on_improv?language=en#t-122680 

 

Why Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLhJHLSkvLA&feature=related

 

What If Every Child Had Access to Music Education from Birth?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueqgenARzlE 

 

Be Part of the Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE8fpJMdeUs&feature=youtu.be 

 

Did You Know?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1njTXx47vHs&feature=related 

 

Music Education Advocacy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoHGUSnz1NQ&playnext=1&list=PLF6690C87706F8011 

 

Music For All

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK7skJQdSsg&feature=related 

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