Striking a Chord: The Transformative Power of Music Programs on Individuals and Society.

Arielle Dickerson
May 15, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jun 22, 2023

BALTIMORE, MD - Learning to play an instrument or singing in a choir is more than simply a hobby; it can have a transforming influence on individuals and society as a whole. Participating in a music program has been found to boost cognitive function, academic performance, and even empathy and social skills. But, perhaps more importantly, music programs have the capacity to bring people together, overcoming cultural boundaries and establishing a sense of community and belonging that can have an impact on society as a whole.

CREDIT: Brittney Johnson, Talia Suskauer and the company of Wicked (Joan Marcus)

Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and its importance cannot be overstated. At New Town High School students like Amber Mills use music as an outlet to promote creativity, cognitive development, and personal growth."Music has given me an outlet for my emotions and a way to connect with others on a deeper level," Amber said. "Playing an instrument has taught me discipline and perseverance, and being in a orchestra has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication.

Being in a Music program has been proven to enhance cognitive function, which is one of its most important advantages. According to studies, those who take part in music-related activities are more likely to have strong language, spatial awareness, and memory skills. This is due to the fact that studying music requires the utilization of numerous brain regions, which strengthens neural connections and enhances general brain function.

The choir director at New Town High School, Jason Ambush, has personally witnessed the growth of numerous kids. "It is truly amazing to witness the growth and development of my students over the course of a semester. They come in as individuals with varying levels of skill and experience, but through the process of learning and performing music together, they become a cohesive unit." Ambush said. "I have seen shy students gain confidence in themselves, and confident students learn the value of humility and teamwork. The choir becomes a family, supporting each other not just in their musical endeavors, but in their personal lives as well. It's truly inspiring to see how being in a choir can positively impact the lives of my students."

Music practice is a complex and demanding activity that involves the coordinated interaction of different cognitive and sensorimotor systems, which are heavily interdependent. In a study published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychology," children who received two years of music lessons showed a 20% improvement in their verbal memory and a 50% improvement in their visual memory compared to those who did not receive music lessons.