Posted: March 30th, 2022

The influence of music and musical education on teens

The influence of music and musical education on teens

Music is a universal language that can express emotions, convey messages, and inspire creativity. Music also has the potential to influence the development of teens in various aspects, such as cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. In this blog post, we will explore how music and musical education can benefit teens and what challenges they may face in accessing quality musical opportunities.

Cognitive benefits of music and musical education

Music and musical education can enhance the cognitive abilities of teens, such as memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving. According to a study by Kraus et al. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers), musical training can improve the neural encoding of speech sounds and the auditory processing of complex sounds, which are essential for language and literacy skills. Another study by Moreno et al. (2021) found that musical training can increase the brain’s plasticity and adaptability, which are related to learning and intelligence. Moreover, music and musical education can foster creativity and innovation in teens, as they learn to improvise, compose, and collaborate with others.

Social benefits of music and musical education

Music and musical education can also promote the social development of teens, such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. Music can serve as a medium for self-expression and identity formation, as teens can explore different genres, styles, and cultures of music. Music can also facilitate social interactions and connections, as teens can share their musical preferences, experiences, and opinions with others. Furthermore, music and musical education can enhance the social skills of teens, such as listening, respecting, and supporting others. A study by Schellenberg et al. (2020) showed that musical training can improve the emotional recognition and empathy of teens, which are important for social-emotional competence.

Emotional benefits of music and musical education

Music and musical education can also support the emotional well-being of teens, such as mood regulation, stress relief, and self-esteem. Music can elicit positive emotions and moods in teens, such as joy, excitement, and relaxation. Music can also help teens cope with negative emotions and stressors, such as sadness, anger, and anxiety. A study by Saarikallio et al. (2022) revealed that music can provide various emotional functions for teens, such as diversion, discharge, solace, reflection, and expression. Additionally, music and musical education can boost the self-esteem and confidence of teens, as they achieve mastery, recognition, and satisfaction from their musical endeavors.

Physical benefits of music and musical education

Music and musical education can also improve the physical health of teens, such as motor skills, coordination, and fitness. Music and musical education can enhance the fine motor skills of teens, such as dexterity, precision, and speed. Music and musical education can also improve the gross motor skills of teens, such as balance, agility, and strength. A study by Hallam et al. (2023) demonstrated that musical training can increase the brain’s motor cortex activation and connectivity, which are responsible for controlling voluntary movements. Furthermore, music and musical education can encourage physical activity and fitness in teens, as they engage in singing, dancing,
and playing instruments.

Challenges of music and musical education for teens

Despite the numerous benefits of music and musical education for teens,
there are also some challenges that may limit their access to quality
musical opportunities. Some of these challenges include:

– Lack of resources: Many schools lack adequate funding,
equipment,
and facilities to provide comprehensive music programs for their students.
Some families may not be able to afford private music lessons or
instruments for their children.
– Lack of support: Some parents,
teachers,
and peers may not value or encourage the musical interests
and aspirations of teens.
Some may even discourage or criticize them for pursuing music as a hobby or a career.
– Lack of diversity: Some music curricula,
repertoires,
and pedagogies may not reflect or respect the diverse backgrounds,
cultures,
and preferences of teens.
Some may feel excluded or marginalized by the dominant or mainstream musical norms
and expectations.

Conclusion

Music is a powerful force that can shape the lives of teens in many positive ways.
Music
and
musical
education
can
enhance
the
cognitive,
social,
emotional,
and
physical
development
of
teens,
as
well
as
their
creativity,
innovation,
and
well-being.
However,
there
are
also
some
challenges
that
may
hinder
their
access
to
quality
musical
opportunities.
Therefore,
it is important to provide adequate resources,
support,
and diversity for music and musical education for teens.

References

Kraus N., White-Schwoch T., Anderson S., Strait D.L., & Nicol T. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). Musical training improves speech-in-noise perception: Longitudinal evidence from a community-based music program. Behavioural Brain Research, 333, 279-284.

Moreno S., Lee Y., Janus M., & Bialystok E. (2021). Short-term music training enhances cognitive and neural plasticity in children. Scientific Reports, 11, 1-10.

Schellenberg E.G., Corrigall K.A., Dys S.P., & Malti T. (2020). Music training, music aptitude, and empathy in adolescence. Psychology of Music, 48(2), 232-246.

Saarikallio S., Vuoskoski write my essay J.K., & Thompson W.F. (2022). Music as a resource for emotion regulation in adolescence: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Developmental Review, 62, 100964.

Hallam S., Parncutt R., & McPherson G.E. (2023). The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

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