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This show asks an important question.  Is Art the Answer?

I believe that children need the outlit art can provide.  I especially see the benefits of the performing arts in that students have the experience of being in the art and putting themselves "out there" and in the picture.

Music classes are important opportunities for children to learn self expression and find a potential lifelong activity.  Many individuals continue performing well into their old age (subjective I know)

Music keeps the brain active.  Singing, or playing an instrument can keep  the elderly more socially functional.  Starting early such as elementary age children can give them a head start toward living a longer and mentally healither life.

A huge part of the puzzle here is the creativeness of the teacher.  For example when I was a child in elementary school the music specialist that came to my home room was not creative or interesting. Kids were actually turned off to music by his teaching.  I did not try singing until I was in 8th grade and only because I was allowed to take a choir class and earn an Enghish credit.  I then discovered how much fun singing can be when the teacher was good at relating to kids and making the experience enjoyable. A teacher can make the class work.

I can also share that entering middle school, I was one of the top math students and was assigned to the top math class.  This teacher did not relate well to students.  She had bad breath and leaned over our shoulders to talk to us.  She was never able to explain to me how a letter can substitute for a number.  I lost interst in math because I was unable to "get it." 

I believe the teacher makes the difference in most all teaching situations.  At least they have the ability to help the learner think in a critical way and perhaps cause more questions than answers. But this is good teaching. 

I believe we need more of our brilliant, creative minds to choose music/art education rather than a major in math or science etc.  The pay is not near the same as a doctor or engineer, but it is very fullfilling.

posted 2 years, 12 months ago
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