Music Measures Up By Dr. Jannie Carter, Extension Assistant Director and Rosalind James, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Houston County

How often do we hear a songwriter's lyrics and are reminded of our innate abilities to recognize and appreciate good music? When we explore "the music in us," we benefit socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Music transcends language barriers as a universal communicator that inspires all ages and provides wonderful opportunities for youth to grow. Moreover, musical experiences provide opportunities to mobilize the essential components of positive youth development by engaging the head, heart, hands, and health.

Assessments to determine the benefits of music to younger audiences validate its potential. No matter how you play it, music measures up. Music paired with physical and mental developmental factors reveal positive correlations. For example, research shows that daily vocalization increases lung capacity to improve physical health. There are also positive correlations between music skills, science, and math proficiency. Students with experience in music courses and performance scored higher on the 2006 College-Bound Seniors profile of SAT test-takers.

As researchers continue to pursue the benefits of music education and exposure, their findings reinforce the many positive impacts of music that continue to marvel us. Band and choir groups promote social interactions that stimulate intellectual growth and team orientation. Moreover, playing in groups heightens music appreciation and awareness through shared experiences. So, when pondering the question of whether music makes a difference, think on the points that follow.

Music affords opportunities for:

• Increased left brain development involved with language, reasoning, and thinking skills
• Creative expression and problem solving
• Exploring the imagination
• Improved standards of quality and excellence in their own work and the work of others
• Developing one's self-esteem and conquering fears
• Improved coordination
• Promoting team building skills and discipline

Beyond enjoyment and personal development, the world of music provides rewarding careers in a variety of well-paid jobs for the talented. But, as with any career pursuits, talent must be coupled with perseverance, good work ethics, and interpersonal skills. The ins and outs of the music industry as a career demands dynamic and flexible achievers who understand that higher development requires quality performance that does not always lead to stardom.

The power of music in the lives of youth was demonstrated during the first Ruben Studdard Music Camp coordinated by Urban Regional Extension Agent Rosalind James. Ruben Studdard, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, rose to national acclaim as the 2003 American Idol winner in a contest that featured talented young men and woman across America. As a result of that achievement, he established the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts, which offers summer music camps to youth ages 12 to 19.

The Ruben Studdard Music Camp ran from July 24-August 1 and allowed more than 100 youth from Alabama and Georgia to undergo training in the areas of songwriting, stage and voice performance, and music theory, as well as receive practical advice about the music industry. The camp ended with a soul-stirring concert on August 1 where camp participants got an opportunity to perform with Studdard live. Because of its tremendous success, Studdard agreed to hold the camp again in Dothan, Alabama during the summer of 2007.

For more information about the Ruben Studdard Music Camp 2007, please contact Rosalind James, Houston County Extension Office at (334) 794-4108.

References
Bancroft, Tony. (2006). The benefits of music education. Home and Family. Retrieved September 1, 2006.

The College Board. (2006). 2006 college-bound seniors: Total group profile report. Retrieved September 13, 2006.

Children's Music Workshop. (2006). Twelve benefits of music education. Retrieved September 1, 2006.

---

If you do not have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat and wish to view the
PDF publication on this site, click here to download: