Research from the University of Southern California reveals music’s positive impact on emotional well-being. Find out how music instills hope, develops skills, and strengthens connections to schools and communities.
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Friday, August 15th
According to research conducted by the University of Southern California, music education can positively impact adolescents’ emotional well-being. The study surveyed 120 students from 52 middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District to explore the effects of music on positive youth development.
The findings revealed that students who started music education before age 8 demonstrated greater hope for their future. Additionally, those who received musical training scored higher in positive youth development, which measures the strengths of adolescents and their potential to contribute to society.
Many narratives have emerged describing the learning loss and challenges faced by students during the pandemic. Music education presents an avenue for re-developing skills, coping with emotions, engaging in identity work, and fostering connections to the school and community.
Beatriz Ilari, an associate professor of music education at the USC Thornton School of Music and one of the study’s authors, explains the potential of music as a beneficial activity. She highlights how it can help students develop competencies, work through their emotions, and strengthen their connection to their school and community.
The research study was published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, shedding light on music education’s positive impact on adolescents’ emotional well-being. While the pandemic has presented numerous challenges, music education offers a potential solution for supporting students’ mental health and providing them with valuable skills and competencies.
Considering these findings when shaping educational policies and allocating resources is crucial. By recognizing the benefits of music education, schools, and communities can prioritize its inclusion in the curriculum. This may involve investing in music programs, providing access to instruments and qualified instructors, and promoting the importance of music in overall youth development.
Furthermore, parents and guardians can encourage their children to explore music and engage in musical activities outside of school. This can include participating in music programs, attending live performances, or even simply listening to music at home. Such involvement can contribute to the emotional well-being of adolescents and foster their personal growth and development.
This article is based on “Music education may make students more hopeful about their futures,” published on edsource.org
