WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO START WITH THE ARTS?

Research shows that learning an instrument at a young age can provide mental health benefits, as well as improve cognitive and physical abilities. Although learning an instrument has many benefits regardless of age, these benefits are strengthened if the skill is acquired during youth, particularly during the critical stages of brain development.

100% of our elementary students have the arts in their weekly schedule. 

Beyond the classroom, students have multiple on site performances every year, and opportunities within the community. 

• Flag salutes, holiday, and summative performances on campus

• San Marcos Tree Lighting

• Honor Choir (at California Center for the Arts)

• SD Padres Game (smusd is the largest school organization involved with the Padres)

Mental health benefits

The following mental health benefits have been identified in children who engage in the arts:

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Reduced depression

• Increased self-esteem

The reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression found in children who play an instrument is largely due to the emotional expression and relaxation provided through a musical outlet. For instance, if they are dealing with difficult emotions or feeling overwhelmed, they can express themselves and decompress through artisitc expression.

The increased self-esteem found in children who play an instrument is from the satisfaction of achievement from accomplishing a goal, such as learning a song, writing a composition, or performing for an audience.

Music, theeater and dance with others also increases social skills and helps develop the ability to collaborate, which aids in increasing self-esteem and reducing anxiety levels.

Cognitive benefits

Playing an instrument increases activity in areas of the brain responsible for executive functioning, improving the following cognitive skills:

• Focus and memory

• Cognitive flexibility (the ability to think about multiple concepts at once)

• Self-control and time management

Skills associated with executive functioning are beneficial to all areas of life, although are especially crucial in academic environments.

Physical benefits

Some instruments work on coordination and motor skills more extensively — particularly those that require complex movements from various parts of the body — such as the drums.

However, all instruments work on these physical skills to some degree, as they involve physical movements that demand accuracy and precision.

Arts can also be used intentionally to shift moods and decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, within the body. According to Alan Doman, a music producer and Ted-X speaker, “To help relax your stress, play simple instrumental music with a slow tempo under 60 beats per minute. When you need an emotional lift, choose music that makes you feel good. Songs that have a great rhythm, fast tempos over 70 beats per minute with an uplifting theme will improve mood.”

Social Benefits

Learning to play a musical instrument, especially at a young age in a school music program also has social benefits. Similar to participating in sports, belonging to the school choir, orchestra or band can build lasting friendships and bond students over a mutually shared goal, such as a statewide concert or competition.

Alan Harvey, neuroscientist and musician, explains how performing in a group can be socially and physically beneficial, “Levels of the hormone oxtocin (in the bloodstream) are raised when people are singing together. Oxytocin is associated with empathy, trust and relationship building. Our sensitivity to pain and stress hormone cortisol decrease when we are involved in group music making activity.”