A topic of much debate over the last ten years has been music education. Should it be a part of school curriculum, and if so how important should its role be? Music education programs have been disappearing in many cities and communities due to lack of money. Some feel that music has no place in schools while others believe that it is an integral part of a well- rounded education.
Music education is an important role in the early foundation of children. With today's problems of funding in schools, music education is one of the first programs to go. Music in education is essential to our children because it increases their listening skills and is a common method of communication for cultures worldwide. Music becomes a part of one's life very early on. Mother's sing to their babies to soothe and calm them, children are taught short songs and rhymes which helps strengthen their memorization skills. .
Roy M. Legette makes a valid point in his article "Social Context and Music Learning". He states, "Students must be able to relate what they learn in school to how they live and what they do outside of school" (1). He believes this is very important in today's society of different cultures. " more attention should be given to the social environment of children, including how they live and what kinds of music they listen to during the time they are not in school" (1). Music is an important component for all people to possess in their lives. It is a part of who we are, it can be a reflection of personality, and more important, a healthy way to express yourself. .
Music can also contribute to students" mastery of the full range of skills identified by the United States Department of Labor and Education that all young persons must have to succeed in today's careers. Research has shown that students" involvement in their music program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance.