Date

8-24-2023

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

James Siddons

Keywords

Music Advocacy, Louisiana, Elementary Schools, Neuroscience, Neuromusicology, Behavioral and Emotional Management, Cognitive Development, Low Socioeconomic, LEAP Test Scores, Music Education

Disciplines

Music | Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Abstract

There are many technological curricular activities in math and science classrooms, yet few are found in music classrooms. Although many elementary schools may be benefiting from advocacy for music and technology, many elementary schools in the state of Louisiana have lost funding for music programs. For the Louisiana Department of Education to act as an advocate for music education, there must be a thorough understanding of the benefits of music education. Extensive research is one way to suggest that elementary music classes can raise the cognitive capacity of elementary students and could be the catalyst for ensuring the upcoming generation’s academic success. Studies show that music education has proven to have cognitive benefits, including greater attention span, improved mathematical problem-solving performance, increased reading fluency, and greater short-term and long-term memory capacity. The qualitative research here attempts to demonstrate the many ways that young students have benefited from music education and how it significantly contributed to their academic success. The research here also demonstrates how quality music education can contribute substantially to the cognitive development, behavioral and emotional management, and academic success of elementary students in schools that may need it most. Parents take deliberate steps to teach children how to make good choices to ensure they live productive and healthy lives. Therefore, the community should consider taking deliberate steps to raise the cognitive capacity of the next generation by advocating for Louisiana’s music education.

Download

Share

COinS