The finest brain exercise, if the brain were a muscle, would be learning to play an instrument and read music. The many benefits of even two years of music education are illustrated by two new studies from the USC Brain and Creativity Institute. Music training can alter the structural makeup of the gray matter, which contains the bulk of the brain’s active information-processing neurons, as well as the white matter, which carries impulses through the brain. Additionally, learning music stimulates the parts of the brain responsible for judgment, focus, and impulse control. This is evident for humans as we easily respond with the mood and feels of the music.

One cannot overstate the importance of including music in a child’s education. A ton of conclusive research demonstrates how a music-rich education enhances children’ cognitive function and academic success. Simply put, when music is taught in the classroom, students learn more effectively.

There is proof that academic success and music study go hand in hand. A significant improvement in the teaching and learning process already occurs when music is included and integrated with other subjects. But why do many teachers, institutions, and faculty members of other subjects treat music (MAPEH) as an afterthought and give it a scant amount of attention? Since then, students have always taken the MAPEH subject undervalued because it has little bearing on their grades or their cognitive functioning.

Overall, we need to change the way we think about music as a standalone subject. The study of music goes beyond the classroom or integration of other subjects. We must give credit that it has its own material and lessons.

By: Ma. Jeanette F. Reyes|Teacher II|Bataan National High School|Balanga City, Bataan