Should music class be mandatory?

Julia

Music, regardless of shape or form, is something so commonly listened to all around the world. Many talented musicians share their craft, and even here at ISM, Strings, Band and Choir are year-long, encore courses offered to all middle school students, becoming optional once a student reaches seventh grade. Despite all of the potential benefits brought upon by taking a music class, certain disadvantages are overlooked, and consequently, one may argue that music classes should not be mandatory for older middle schoolers.

Firstly, students have already garnered enough knowledge from their music classes in previous grades. Therefore, it is beneficial for students past these grades to expand their horizons, and try new encore classes. This can help later on in life, as students will be able to have a clearer idea of what they want to achieve. If students already have basic knowledge of music, there is no need for them to pursue the subject unless they personally feel an incline towards it.

This brings us to our next point, in which students should not feel obligated to take a music course if it is not aligned with their interests. If students in seventh and eighth grade are forced to take a course that does not excite them, they may experience feelings of unhappiness and discontent. Ultimately, this could cause a lowering in motivation, and subsequently, overall performance.

Although it can be said that music is vital for developing skills necessary for children later on in life, such as creativity and innovation, this is also applicable to other encores offered by ISM. For instance, taking art or drama is also seen to boost levels of creativity and critical thinking. Accordingly, taking another encore as an alternative to a music class will still provide a setting for the development of crucial skills within students.

In conclusion, music classes should not be a compulsory block for seventh and eighth-graders. It is more important for students to be able to try out other classes within their interests and to be taking a class where they deem the work provided to be enjoyable. At the end of the day, middle school is said to be a playground where students are able to tinker around with things in order to find out what they truly want.