From the time they start learning to scoot, crawl and walk, babies begin to make connections between music and movement. Many babies, as they grow more and more steady on their feet, instinctively love to dance and bounce up and down when they hear music. Through dance, music helps children develop rhythm and coordination. One value of music is that it can also help them live healthier lives. Singing or playing wind instruments takes breath control and exercises the lungs and core muscles. Music can also help children relieve stress and avoid the negative physical effects it causes.
Music can help children develop their imaginations by giving them an outlet for their creativity. Through music, they can be expressive, and they have the satisfaction of creating something. Music has been shown to activate areas of the brain that aren't used in other academic types of learning. A study by the University of California showed that music can train the brain to think on a higher level. It was found that children that participated in music classes were able to outperform other students on math tests by 27 percent.
Children that are involved in music have a chance to develop their abilities outside the academic core subjects. Band, choir and orchestra students develop a work ethic as they practice their music. They can also improve their concentration skills. Music education also has value because it teaches teamwork. School music groups perform in competitions. Because each member of the group is expected to do his share, students learn to work together for the benefit of a team.
Participating in music can also give children a chance for social interaction. This starts with newborns, as they find comfort in their mothers' lullabies. As they grow, toddlers continue to interact with parents and with other children by singing, dancing and making music (even if it comes in the form of banging kitchen pans together). Music classes give students a chance to socialize with other students who share similar interests. They form friendships within their music group. This social interaction often serves as a motivation for students to stay in school and continue learning.