What if there were a remedy to reduce the stress of a high school student? And what if that remedy was one forty-two minute class period during the school day? For most students at Ridge High School, this stress-reducing period would be either band, orchestra, or choir.

Music education is very important to school systems and all students should have to participate in either band, orchestra, or choir up until eighth grade. Likewise, making the students participate in the music program at their school will help them in many different ways.

To start, music classes can reduce student stress. Most students at Ridge High School fill their schedules with hard classes, trying to fit everything into one school day. Stress is an inevitable part of high school. If students take music classes up until eighth grade, they are more likely to enroll in these classes in high school as well because they have been exposed and have had time to grow a passion towards music. Choir, orchestra, and band classes allow students to take forty-two minutes out of their busy schedules to forget all of their stress, immerse themselves in the music, and relax their minds [1].

Paige Smyth ’17 expresses her love for music: “Music provides an outlet that other subjects don’t. It inspires a passion, a dedication, a creativity that allows everyone to thrive whether they are musical or not.” She also feels strongly about the fact that “every student should have the opportunity to pursue music, because it provides invaluable opportunities that can be used throughout life and its many challenges.”

Laura Brown from PBS explains that music helps students achieve better test scores and raises their IQ [2]. Many studies have concluded that strong music programs within school systems have a positive impact on students’ standardized and regular test scores [3]. This rise in test scores is due to the fact that many students stay engaged during classes and improve their work all because of music [1]. Some people even believe that music is as important as any other subject, such as math or English [3].

The National Association for Music Education points out that music programs teach students discipline [1]. While taking music as a graded course, students learn the responsibility of time-management. Considering that some music programs test students on their music, students are forced to take time out of their after-school schedules to practice. Additionally, students learn how to rise to a challenge. Music programs are constantly giving students hard music and having them learn it on their own. Although it may be frustrating at times, most students are able to overcome these challenges and have a great feeling of achievement.

Ryan Cunningham ’19, a fellow Ridge High School choir student, states, “I think music education is important because you develop a lot of important skills…and you have a lot of fun while doing it!” In general, the discipline learned from music programs help students thrive in high school, college, and the real world.

Also, music sparks creativity in students. By being able to think creatively, students can develop the skill of problem solving [1]. Likewise, many students tend to develop an imagination due to music. Possessing an imagination and being creative are two skills that help one to be successful in the workforce and in society [3].

Finally, music aids students in social situations and gives them social benefits [3]. Music programs provide students with the opportunity to make new friends who share the same love of music. From my experience, musicians are some of the most accepting and down-to-earth people that someone will ever meet.

Ultimately, music programs are a huge asset to both school systems and students. Music changes lives forever. Ask any Ridge musician how music has changed their own lives, and they will be able to give you an answer without hesitation.

[1] http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/

[2] http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-benefits-of-music-education/

[3] http://thehumanist.com/features/articles/the-importance-of-music-education