Music Education Enhances Children’s Quality of School Life

When children’s quality of school life is higher, they learn better and participate more often. The challenge is identifying factors which increase children’s satisfaction with school.

The main objective of the current study was to understand whether music education in school has social benefits for students. To test this idea, researchers examined nearly one thousand students (ages 9 and 12 years old) across ten schools to compare the quality of life for students with and without extended music education. Participants were given self-assessments regarding their general satisfaction with school. Extended music education was defined as musical training beyond the schools’ required music classes.

The results, published in Music Education Research, found significant differences between the two groups. Children who experienced extended musical training rated the quality of school life higher in a number of areas, particularly in the areas related to general satisfaction, sense of achievement and future opportunities for students.

Student satisfaction is important since it’s also linked with teachers’ work satisfaction and parents’ satisfaction with the school. Additionally, music education may help students feel good about school because they receive appreciation from adults regarding their musical achievements.

The benefits of music education continue to emerge with each new study. Prior research has shown that musical training helps children develop greater cognitive skills, achieve higher grades in school, and boost creative thinking. Now, social benefits such as increasing children’s quality of school life can be added to an ever-growing list.

Peer-reviewed journal reference:
Eerola, Päivi-Sisko, and Tuomas Eerola. 2013. “Extended Music Education Enhances the Quality of School Life.” Music Education Research 1–17.

Photo credit: woodleywonderworks via Flickr CC

Posted by Grosse Pointe Music Academy

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