Math, science, and history are not the only subjects that benefit a child’s education; art and music are just as essential. Students can enhance cognitive function, such as increasing pattern recognition, by participating in art and music classes. Paulette Chaffee  highlights how art education can advance children’s educational development through these six ways:

Art and music classes open the door for students to express themselves in a creative way, which helps students access their inner creative side. Boosting a child’s creativity can support their ability to see solutions outside the box or from an innovative angle. In today’s professional world, 72% of employers agree that creativity is a primary skill when deciding who to hire.  Critical thinking skills also come into play when students create art or music of their own. 

Students often feel like their memory is working overtime between tests, projects, assignments, and remembering what to pack for a successful school day. Students who actively participate in music classes can improve their memory development, especially when starting at an early age. Dance and performing arts can also enhance memory and motor skills. 

Dance, creating art, or learning an instrument can help children develop their motor skills. Music and art classes are beneficial avenues for students to develop fine motor skills at an early age and beyond. While developing motor skills and learning hands-on, students also develop better visual learning skills through studying and creating art, colors, shapes, and music sheets. 

Students who participate in art and music classes will raise their chances of achieving educational benefits compared to those who do not. For example, Americans for Arts reveals that children involved in the arts are four times more likely to participate in a school fair, like a math or science fair, or be recognized for academic achievements. In addition, a student whose education includes the arts is three times more likely to be elected to the class office or win a school attendance award.  

Language and reading are critical skills for a child to develop for a successful educational career. Incorporating art and music classes at a young age, specifically ages two to nine, can aid with decoding skills and other areas of language development. The Children’s Music Workshop has highlighted research demonstrating how musical training physically develops the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs. 

Art and music can also lead to self-growth and a boost in confidence. The arts require practice and repetition to enhance levels of development. Like team sports, the arts can increase a student’s social skills. Students who learn an instrument learn alongside classmates and can relate to others. 

Paulette Chaffee is a teacher, speech therapist, and attorney deeply involved in the Fullerton community. As an educator and member of various non-profit boards, her focus has always been on providing children with the highest quality education. Ms. Chaffee holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands, a California Lifetime Teaching Credential, and is admitted to the California Bar.