Pam Thompson
Quinn McCue
Commentary by Quinn McCue, Sumner Newscow — As I reflect on my journey as a recent college graduate, I find it essential to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Wellington Eisenhower Elementary teacher, Mrs. Pam Thompson. Her enthusiastic instruction on the “Fifty Nifty United States” song helped instill an enduring sense of geography and patriotism within me.
Any self-respecting public school student can recount the experience of learning this iconic song. Picture a group of first graders, restless and reluctant at the idea of memorizing all 50 state names for an audience of parents; they might just stage a revolt. However, our dedicated Mrs. Thompson, with her patience and creativity, gathered at least 30 of us and remarkably transformed this challenge into an engaging musical lesson.
How do we measure the success of this patriotic ballad over the years? Just the other day, I seamlessly recounted all 50 states to my roommate Jack, in perfect alphabetical order. My lifelong affinity for using music as a learning tool has been invaluable. Throughout my pursuit of a degree in the sciences, I often found myself relying on musical mnemonics, particularly the ASAPScience song “The Periodic Table,” to recall an array of elements, solidifying its status as a beloved resource in educational circles.
Music education has faced a tumultuous journey, grappling with perceptions of its significance and inadequate funding. Frequently, music programs suffer the deepest cuts when educational budgets are trimmed. I contend that this bias against music education is a grave disservice to our children. The significance of music in the classroom transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a vital avenue for enhancing student success in multifaceted ways, extending well beyond the obligatory concerts that dot the school year.
Performing music makes you smarter.
Engagement in music education offers children a multitude of cognitive benefits. Beyond simply learning to read music or appreciate its cultural depth, students cultivate various skills that enhance their mental faculties. Music engages the entire brain, requiring musicians to tap into the emotional essence of a piece while simultaneously executing the technical aspects of performance. Mastering this multifaceted approach hones one’s executive function. Active participation in music fosters abilities such as improved prioritization and multitasking, heightened self-control, greater resilience in the face of challenges, as well as sharper memory and focus.
Music changes your brain for the better.
The concept of neuroplasticity illustrates the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt its structure and function, forming new pathways that enhance cognitive capabilities. Given that music involves the entire cerebral cortex, it naturally stimulates the formation of these pathways by melding sensory experiences for more fluid thought processing. Research indicates that listening to music correlates with heightened proficiency in both reading and math skills. On a scientific level, exposure to music can significantly boost neurotransmitter activity, and for those who actively participate in musical performance, the enhancements are even more pronounced.
What does this translate to in tangible benefits? Musicians often demonstrate elevated IQ levels, superior critical thinking skills, enhanced creative problem-solving capabilities, and an overall boost in academic performance.
Music makes you an overall better person.
The art of learning music exhibits striking parallels to acquiring a new language. Music itself can be viewed as a unique linguistic expression, fostering critical communication skills from an early age. Children who engage in music-related activities display heightened brain activity in language processing areas compared to their non-musical counterparts, often leading to advanced reading abilities and a more effortless experience learning new languages. Furthermore, they develop a keener awareness of nonverbal communication cues, including gestures and symbols, which bolsters emotional regulation and nurtures healthier communication habits.
Don’t just take my word for it; the testimonials of young adults who were immersed in musical education offer powerful insights.
“Music entirely shaped my younger life. I studied classical guitar from a young age, so by the time I was in elementary school guitar had become so automatic for me it became my way of decompressing and processing my emotions (very important when you’re a child). It was like meditation for me.”
-Ricardo Crosse-Ball, Electrical and Computer Engineering Major.
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“I started playing piano at 5 years old and singing in our church choir at 7, as well as ABRSM music theory lessons at 7. The biggest takeaways as a kid were:
- How to take criticism.
- That it takes really hard work and motivation to be good at anything. With piano especially, I was lucky to have an extremely good teacher who pushed me and wasn’t afraid to give me pretty harsh criticism even at a young age.
It definitely helped me learn early on that you have to be entirely honest with yourself to make the progress you want to see.”
-Anna Musteata, Biology/Biotechnology Major.
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“Music helped me with everything from helping with broadening my vocabulary to pacing myself in sports during elementary/middle school. It also helped with homework as well because it helped me focus and keep from feeling like I was slowly dying or wasting away while doing math.”
-Hunter Bryant, US Postal Worker (my favorite federal department)
Overall, music in schools is an irreplaceable reservoir of skills that equips future generations to thrive. It has undoubtedly played an instrumental role in my life. When considering new policies, classes for your child, or hobbies for them to explore, resist the temptation to overlook the importance of the musical arts. Beyond the cognitive advantages they provide, music fosters community, enriches entertainment, and nurtures a deeper appreciation for the world that surrounds us.
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You can ask Quinn:
Disclaimer: I am not licensed for anything when it comes to advice. I’m not a therapist, lifecoach, or anything of the sort. Use advice at your own risk.
What inspired Quinn McCue to use music as a tool for learning and education?
**Short Interview with Quinn McCue on the Importance of Music Education**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Quinn! Your commentary on music education and its impact on learning is inspiring. Can you share what first sparked your passion for music as a learning tool?
**Quinn McCue**: Thanks for having me! My passion really began in Mrs. Pam Thompson’s classroom at Wellington Eisenhower Elementary. She introduced us to the “Fifty Nifty United States” song, which made learning geography enjoyable. That experience showed me how powerful music can be in retaining information and sparked my lifelong love for using musical mnemonics.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like Mrs. Thompson made a lasting impression. What specific cognitive benefits of music education do you find most compelling?
**Quinn McCue**: One of the biggest benefits is how music engages the entire brain. It sharpens critical skills like memory, prioritization, and multitasking. Studies show that kids involved in music perform better academically in subjects like reading and math. I’ve seen firsthand how these skills translate not just in the classroom, but in everyday life.
**Interviewer**: You also mentioned the concept of neuroplasticity. Can you explain how music influences this?
**Quinn McCue**: Absolutely! Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Music stimulates this process, enhancing cognitive abilities. For example, musicians often have higher IQs and improved problem-solving skills, which can really give them an edge in their studies.
**Interviewer**: In your commentary, you highlighted the emotional and social benefits of music education as well. Could you elaborate on that?
**Quinn McCue**: Definitely! Learning music is akin to learning a new language; it helps develop strong communication skills. Kids who engage in music often become better at reading and understanding nonverbal cues, which fosters emotional regulation and healthier communication habits. This holistic development is crucial for their future interactions.
**Interviewer**: That’s a powerful takeaway. As a recent graduate, how do you hope to see music education evolve in schools?
**Quinn McCue**: I hope to see a stronger advocacy for music programs. They often face cuts during budget crises, which is a huge oversight. Schools should recognize that music education enriches the minds and emotions of students, preparing them for a well-rounded future. It’s not just about performance; it’s about shaping better individuals.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Quinn! Your insights into the importance of music education are invaluable.
**Quinn McCue**: Thank you! I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss this topic that holds such importance for our children’s future.
