Why Today’s High Schools Need More Musical Art Options

Once upon a time, music education was the Church’s sole responsibility.

Those days are long since past, and that torch has been handed off to the school system for quite some time.

As more and more schools cut their music and arts programs, the more the necessity of these programs is discussed. The facts are undisputed. Music and art programs for students, especially in high school, are beneficial in many ways.

The Abilene area schools really seem to have their priorities right!

That’s awesome!

Their music programs are really top-notch and are prioritized well, but it seems like we might be in the minority in that regard as compared to the rest of the country. There are many districts elsewhere that don’t seem to see the benefits of the arts like this area does.

Below looks at some reasons why I think music and art need to be a bigger part of student’s curriculum.

It Provides Teens Creative Outlets

Being a teenager is hard. You are trying to find your place in the world while coping with intense emotions and physical changes. Creative outlets such as varied music and art programs can provide teens with more meaning and confidence. Art and music programs help teens discover themselves.

I recently did an interview with Todd Reiff on the importance and psychology of music. In it, we discussed this idea at length. The need for a creative outlet cannot be overstated!

Check out that interview on my Enhymn Youtube Channel.

Our need to create, which is part of our DNA as humans, is often overlooked or unappreciated in the school curriculum. There are many who are working to change this narrative. However, it still seems like a fact that often gets lost in all the noise surrounding education.

These programs can, without question, even save lives and give struggling students purpose.

 

The Social Aspects

Music and art programs also provide a great social outlet for teens.

Through these programs, they can meet new people and learn valuable social skills like working together to create a song or produce a play. It increases their empathy and determination and does a very good job of preparing them for a modern workforce that values cooperation and creativity.

Allowing teens to be part of something bigger, something fun and creative, can have a lasting impact on their lives. The sense of accomplishment, the idea of delayed gratification… things that being a part of a music ensemble can provide

For busy parents, it also provides a positive after-school environment for your teenagers to be in until you get off work. As a parent, you can be confident that your kiddos are doing something productive, that they’re learning valuable life-long skills, AND that they are in a safe and positive environment to boot!

 

Limited Selection

Most modern schools have a limited selection of music and art programs, which isn’t good for students looking for variety.

For students not interested in specific niches, such as marching band, it might mean they don’t get involved at all. If they do, it’s possible they will fall out of love with something they wanted to enjoy, which is terrible.

Schools today could do to work on inclusive programs with room for growth. I would like to see a model that adapts to student interests and works with them to create art they are passionate about.

An ideal situation for a fictional ideal world, I know… but one can dream!

 

Technology Plays into The Picture

Technology is affecting every area of learning, and high schoolers are not excluded.

Online K-12 schools are becoming more common, whether as a supplement to traditional school or as a private replacement for it. Online education does have a few advantages. However, music and art programs are important with this type of learning too. Thanks to digital drawing technology and recordings, it is possible to do music and art classes online, although you won’t get the same social benefits discussed earlier.

It’s a trade-off.

Online education aside, many of my friends from college who went on to become choir, band, or orchestra directors in public schools rely on technology in their classrooms as a supplement to the traditional model of learning.

They use YouTube videos, SmartBoards, online music theory tools, digital play-along tracks (for Pops Concerts)… you name a problem, there’s a digital or online solution ready to meet that need.

It’s the best of both worlds, and the arts are really pioneering a lot of the digital integration that we’re seeing in other subjects.

 

Music and art programs should not be cut from schools. In fact, schools need more of these programs. If you are disappointed with the lack of options at your school or cutting these programs is being discussed, speak up and make your voice heard. Students of all means and backgrounds should be able to enjoy these courses, you just have to be willing to make it a priority.