An exert from Teaching Music through Performance in Band by Tim Lautzenheiser

So many parents do not understand the extended value of learning music. There’s far more to this than investing in an instrument, scheduling lessons, driving to-and-from rehearsals, and/or attending concerts. The discipline of music making is transferable to every learning situation in and outside the academic community. We have pointed to music students as “the smartest and most responsible students in school." We now understand it is really the study of music that puts them in this favorable posture alongside their non-musical counterparts. We must be cautious not to suggest “music makes you smarter," but we certainly can point to the overall accomplishments of the students of music and find a similar high level of achievement in both academic and non-academic areas; this is NOT an accident or a coincidence. Arguably no other discipline in school can better prepare the mind and spirit for the challenges of, medical study, law school, classes in engineering, education/teaching, business, college, etc. Ultimately, don’t we want MUSIC to be a part of every person’s life? From singing in the church choir to playing in the community band, music should not be relegated to the school environment, but music becomes our trusted friend-of-expression forever.

Music is a place for everyone. Music often “reaches" the students who are struggling with their other academic studies. Advanced brain research continues to verify and confirm all brains are “wired for music." Eric Jensen, research author on brain-based learning, writes, “Music is part of our biological heritage and is hard-wired into our genes as a survival strategy." (Jensen, E. 2001, Arts with the Brain in Mind, p.15.)

Do parents, administrators, community leaders, and teachers of other disciplines understand (even know) this information? Are we sharing this extraordinary news? Music is NOT for the “chosen few," but music is for all those who want to pursue this exciting pathway of learning, and shouldn’t that be everyone?

What is the most important priority for all parents? The future happiness of their child! Mothers and fathers around the world dedicate their lives to creating an even better life for their children. Might I suggest the study of music is a cultural imperative fulfilling all the wants, needs, and wishes of every caring-sharing parent?

So why music? Why band? It might be more appropriate to ask: Why not music? Why not band? It is evident music education should be experienced by every student. We, as a culture, will be best served if the hearts and minds of our youth are filled with the knowledge and the understanding of MUSIC. The time has come, the time is now. Sign your child up for Bandfest or enroll them in our 10 Week Combo Program that begins in May today.