Social Maturation
Music education benefits students in many ways that can be seen through academics and related activities. It enhances math skills, advances reading abilities, and can even help a student to become more attentive. However, music education also benefits students in ways that cannot be measured. Music education advances social maturation. Social maturity is "Showing behavior that is in accord with standards and the norms for a person of that age." Social maturity is a trait that is invaluable. Even with a degree from a prestigious school and a sky-high GPA, one will find difficulty in life wherever they go if they do not know how to interact with others. Music education facilitates the students’ social growth through the performance aspect of music along with the emphasis on teamwork. A study led by Professor Susan Hallam of the Institute of Education at the University of London displays the great benefits that music performance has on one’s social life. The following is from a journal written by Hallam and some of her associates,
Participants perceived themselves as playing a useful and important role
in the group with their contributions being recognized as of equal value to
those of others. They also expressed feelings of pride and achievement in
relation to their role in the group’s success. This seemed to be especially the
case in small musical ensembles, such as trios, quartets or small singing groups,
as the player could take a leading and primary role because of the degree of
musical involvement that was required. This was less marked in larger groups,
for instance, orchestras or large bands, although they provided excitement through
‘being part of a big sound’. Feelings of being important and useful to the group
were also associated with a strong sense of belonging. This resulted from the
musician’s active contribution to the group outcome, which often gave rise to
feelings of satisfaction of achievement. Self-satisfaction was mainly derived from
working together in developing something that sounded ‘good’ and ‘getting ideas
and in turn feeding off other people’s creativity and ideas...Particularly valued were
learning to compromise, offering mutual support and encouragement, and learning
to work effectively together as a team. Learning to co-operate and exchange ideas for
the achievement of a common goal were regarded highly by the participants and
raised self-esteem and motivation to work harder to maintain and enhance group
standards...All in all, the social aspect of group music making seemed to have the
potential for the study’s participants to create a strong sense of social unity within
a group and gave rise to uplifting, exhilarating and motivating feelings.
As this study details, music education has a profound impact on one’s emotional health as well. In addition to all the proven benefits that music education has on one’s academic lives, it also benefits students in countless intangible ways, one of these being self-esteem and confidence. One of the most basic human desires is the desire to be important. This is fulfilled when one is a part of something bigger than himself, such as a musical ensemble.
