Music Literacy is declining over time and although this does not seem like a huge issue, it actually is. Due to the decline of music literacy, music quality has also been declining. Read more to find out how music literacy and music quality are correlated with each other.

1. Create symbols and assign a sound to each of them. For example, a star symbol can mean “clap,” a circle can mean to “stomp your foot,” a triangle can mean “hit the desk,” and a square can mean “snap your fingers.”

2. Put these instructions on a bulletin board or piece of paper and display it so the children can see. Then have the children compose their own music, using combinations/patterns of the symbols.

3. Then let the children each present their own music on the board and have the others perform their music following the combination/pattern of symbols.

There is indeed a difference between listening to and playing music. Listening is passive and not as interactive, whereas playing music is active and collaborative. But the good news is that you do not need to have special skills to participate in music creation. A simple act of clapping along and/or singing along is also a form of collaboration in music-making.

Studies have shown that when we try to create music together- such as keeping the beat or singing along- we share positive feelings with those we are synchronizing with.

It is not yet an exact science, but it may be attributed to the release of endorphins, which results from coordinating movement with others. In other words, making music causes our brains to create warm, positive feelings.

Although music is usually not a priority when considering a child’s education, music education holds countless benefits for child development. Music makes a huge difference in a child’s overall growth since it is an outstanding tool in heightening student understanding and is crucial in guiding students towards academic success.

Learning music helps to work the brain extensively to develop emotionally and cognitively. By learning to read music or by playing the piano or any other instrument, children are able to obtain many different ways of expression and broaden their perspectives on the world. Studies show that music classes can be applied to teaching other subject areas and actually enhances student success in subject areas such as math, science, and language.