By: Sean Allen, Blue Oak School’s 6th-8th Grade Music Teacher
The Blue Oak Middle School music program is designed to offer our students an environment to explore, discover, and engage in live musical performance. Musical performance offers a rich array of benefits that touch on psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of human life.
Psychologically, engaging in music can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Playing an instrument or singing requires concentration and can act as a form of meditation, providing an escape from daily pressures. The act of performing also boosts self-esteem and confidence as students master new skills, face audiences, and receive appreciation or critique, which helps build resilience and the ability to handle feedback positively.
Cognitively, the practice of musical performance is known to enhance various brain functions. Learning to play music strengthens memory, as students must remember melodies, rhythms, and lyrics. It also sharpens auditory discrimination and fine motor skills, which are vital for playing instruments. Research suggests that musicians often have better auditory discrimination and can excel in areas like language learning due to the brain’s enhanced plasticity. Additionally, the discipline required to practice regularly can translate into improved focus, time management, and perseverance in other areas of life.
Socially, at Blue Oak Middle School, students often work in groups, requiring collaboration, coordination, and communication, which can strengthen interpersonal relationships. Participating in bands enhances one’s sense of belonging. Similarly, public performances create a shared experience between the students and audience, fostering a sense of community that can cross cultural, linguistic, or social barriers. By being part of a middle school program focused on music, students develop teamwork skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Through engaging in musical performance, students gain not only personal well-being and cognitive enhancement but also social connection, illustrating the profound and holistic impact of music on human development.