Always wear a helmet when you go for

Bear Hugs:

Engaging With the Grandkids

by Mary DeStefano

Make Music Your Life-Long Friend!

As we begin 2023, we might reflect on 2022 and make a few resolutions. But how can we add value to our lives as well as that of our loved ones? Consider MUSIC! A 91-year-old friend in Idaho, who has always immersed herself in music, recently shared how music enriches our lives. (See below.) I’ve also read an article that says studies show that children who participate in music activities are five times more likely to graduate and three times more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree usic is tied to effective learning as children love music and learning to read is often paired with songs. It helps one use all parts of the brain. My granddaughter told me that learning and playing an instrument in school makes her feel special. A friend shared that music directly helped his academic development and that he continues to carry music throughout his life. Numerous teacher friends told me that music is essential and should be a key component in every classroom. It can be Image: shutterstock.com incorporated into any sub ect, too Music instruction offers students a collective team experience as they produce the combined sounds to complete a piece of music. Thus it provides a sense of community. As a parent, teacher or grandparent, I encourage you to find ways that bring music into your home or classroom. Play a variety of music. Study a famous composer and share the music. Draw a chalk picture as you listen to an orchestra play. usic connects cultures and people, so check out the music of another country. Maybe my sister said it best: When you take music forward in your life, you are never alone.

WHY MUSIC SO WHY TEACH MUSIC?

Music is a science. Music is mathematical. Music is a foreign language. Music is history. Music is physical education. Music develops insight and demands research. Music is all of these things, but most of all –Music is art. So you will be human. So you will recognize beauty. So you will be closer to an infinite beyond the world. So you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good —In short, more LIFE.

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