The Beat Goes On: The Struggle to Teach Music

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, November/December 2019 Issue

By Alex Newman

Without music, said German philosopher Nietzsche, life would be a mistake. The American novelist Jack Kerouac went so far as to say the only truth is music. Indeed.

Music has escorted life from ancient times (Orpheus and his lyre) to nursery rhymes—Rapunzel’s singing attracted her prince—and on to modern times, with The Sound of Music’s von Trapp family escaping Nazis under its cover. Recently, doctors have discovered the value of music for Alzheimer’s patients.

It’s not surprising then, that educators, too, sing the praises of music as an integral part of a well-rounded education. For its 2010 study “A Delicate Balance,” the Coalition for Music Education in Canada (CMEC) surveyed teachers in over 1,000 Canadian schools. The resulting 120-page document maintains that music education leads to improved self-discipline, sense of community, and collaboration, as well as increased academic achievement in other subjects.

Similarly, the literature review conducted by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) affirms that students who study music in school tend to have larger vocabularies, more advanced reading skills, and scored higher on reading and spelling tests. Thus, music, indeed, can “soothe the savage breast.”

Mandart Chan, a BC music teacher, however, sees an additional benefit: “The sense of community it creates for those students who don’t necessarily have a connection to other students.”

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Education News

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Alex Newman
Alex Newman
Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Advertisement

Read More

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)
cairns casino | cuclacnet | casino online italia | slot antenna | new slot machines 2017 | cá cược casino | adsbygoogle push error no slot size for availablewidth 0 | sg online casino | sòng bạc casino ở hà nội | điều cuối cùng ấy truyện tranh | ketqua30 net | nhận định everton vs burnley | 1 slot | đánh bài trực tuyến casino | quay thử xsmn 168 | novomatic slots online | chibeasties 2 slot | momo app | cô vợ bắt buộc tập 26 | nguyệt đạo dị giới manga | sxmnt2 | casino online uy tin | biggest online casino | 90 phút | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 29 | soi cau xs wap | tai zalo ve dien thoai | boku online casino | dunder casino | fake slots | slotsmillion casino iphone | code gunny mobi haiduong pro | miter track stop for t slot | tiem vang kim hung quan 5 | ku casino apk | dai chien kame | tân suat loto | lá 3 bích | slots casino no deposit bonus | slot racing | online slot machines uk | happyluke casino trực tuyến | casino trực tuyến cvproducts | vô địch quốc gia thổ nhĩ kỳ | free slot machine games | vanphongdientu | venetian macau casino | xem bói bài tây | tại game trí tuệ siêu phàm cho ios | hotels near parx casino bensalem | thông kê 2 số cuối giải đặc biệt xsmb |