Music Can Boost Brainpower
A recent study shows that music may boost brainpower for children from economically disadvantaged homes and neighborhoods. The study out of Northwestern University found that after two years of music lessons, kids from poor neighborhoods interpreted speech sounds more quickly and precisely, which in turn can lead to better language and reading skills.
Score one more for music! Music is such a great tool for education and stress relief. In addition to helping children who may have less exposure to a vast vocabulary and speech tones and sounds, music is also a wonderful tool for children with special needs. "Music is one of the only stimuli that can be presented that activates the whole brain, which in turn strengthens neural connections and promotes learning and growth," says music therapist Stacey Surratt. Working the whole brain is something that benefits young and old, poor or wealthy. Most kids learn their ABCs from song; and just last night my son came home from kindergarten singing a song about stamina, a lesson I'm sure they are teaching him about not giving up and being your best.
Unfortunately many of the public schools in North Carolina are cutting funds to grow music programs in school. This Saturday, Sept. 6, The Arts and Science Council (ASC) is hosting an ASC Cultural Education Expo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knight Theater to introduce parents, school representatives and students to the many opportunities that teaching artists and cultural providers in Mecklenburg County can bring to classrooms through ASC's School Grants program.
The School Grants program provides up to $280,000 in total funding in 2014-15 for Mecklenburg County public, charter, independent, parochial and private schools to support cultural programming that aligns with their curriculum and helps increase student success. Funding can also be used to supplement school-sponsored field trips. Each school within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is eligible for $1,500 to $2,000.
The expo will feature performances and demonstrations by cultural education providers throughout the day, as well as a kids' zone and food trucks on site. More than 50 cultural providers will be at the expo, ranging from Community School of the Arts to Catawba River District and from Levine Museum of the New South to Historic Rural Hill.
It's important our children aren't tethered to tests and text books, but get exposure to music, art, culture and history for a balanced approach to learning. Make plans to attend the expo or visit the Arts and Science Council website to learn more. And be sure to check out our Enrichment Directory for a multitude of classes and programs throughout Charlotte that nuture the creativity that is inside each and every child.
