Musical Education
A Research Paper Comparing
Academic Achievement to
Musical Education
Chesapeake College
Abstract Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to find evidence to support the theory that connects academic success to musical education. The hypothesis for this research is that students with musical education will be recognized for outstanding academic achievement more than the general student body. This paper will prove the hypothesis by quoting studies done on IQ, academic standing, and teacher evaluation. Introduction Musical education is an essential skill that should be recognized as a general education competency rather than a free elective. However, because music has become common to our culture, most educators believe musical education is unnecessary coursework. Throughout music history, band participation in band class has always been associated with smart, musically inclined students. I believe band could become more than that. Through my research, I have found links that associate band participation with very positive essential skills other than the ability to play an instrument. Band participation has been linked to create a positive learning environment in which students can gain self-esteem and motivation to better themselves at academics. Methodology
To prove my hypothesis, I have studied articles and looked at research comparing the general population of students to music students. I have also conducted interviews with experts in education, as well as conducted site observations to get a broader point of view on the topic. For my articles, I have chosen five that best supports my findings. In my first three articles, I have found actual studies conducted on my topic. In “A Comparison of Academic Achievement and Instructional Music Instruction: A Study Comparing Four Maryland School Districts.” Doctor Keith Wharton talks about a link between musical education and intelligence by comparing MSA
Academic Achievement to
Musical Education
Chesapeake College
Abstract Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to find evidence to support the theory that connects academic success to musical education. The hypothesis for this research is that students with musical education will be recognized for outstanding academic achievement more than the general student body. This paper will prove the hypothesis by quoting studies done on IQ, academic standing, and teacher evaluation. Introduction Musical education is an essential skill that should be recognized as a general education competency rather than a free elective. However, because music has become common to our culture, most educators believe musical education is unnecessary coursework. Throughout music history, band participation in band class has always been associated with smart, musically inclined students. I believe band could become more than that. Through my research, I have found links that associate band participation with very positive essential skills other than the ability to play an instrument. Band participation has been linked to create a positive learning environment in which students can gain self-esteem and motivation to better themselves at academics. Methodology
To prove my hypothesis, I have studied articles and looked at research comparing the general population of students to music students. I have also conducted interviews with experts in education, as well as conducted site observations to get a broader point of view on the topic. For my articles, I have chosen five that best supports my findings. In my first three articles, I have found actual studies conducted on my topic. In “A Comparison of Academic Achievement and Instructional Music Instruction: A Study Comparing Four Maryland School Districts.” Doctor Keith Wharton talks about a link between musical education and intelligence by comparing MSA
Cited: Colwell, Richard, and Lyle Davidson. "Musical Intelligence and the Benefits of Music Education." National Association of Secondary School Principals. NASSP Bulletin 80.583 (1996): 55-. ProQuest Education Journals; ProQuest Research Library. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. Salaman, William. "Reflections on Progress in Musical Education." British Journal of Music Education 25.3 (2008): 237-43. ProQuest Education Journals. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. Schellenburg, E. Glenn. "Music Lessons, Emotional Intelligence, and IQ." Music Perception 29.2 (2011): 185-94. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. Vitale, John L. "Music Makes You Smarter: A New Paradigm for Music Education? Perceptions and Perspectives from Four Groups of Elementary Education Stakeholders." Canadian Journal of Education 34.3 (2011): 317-43. ProQuest Education Journals; ProQuest Research Library. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. Wharton, Keith A. “A Comparison of Academic Achievement and Instrumental Music Instruction: A Study Comparing Four Maryland School Districts.” Diss. U Of Maryland Eastern Shore, 2007. Print.