'A place to belong': Music Education Day highlights mental, social benefits of music for students
On the first ever Music Education Day in Saskatchewan, educators and psychologists are highlighting the many benefits that music has on the minds of students.
Proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA), the day is meant to shine light on the importance of music within schools.
“Music is in every building and is very important to the lives of every student,” Katlyn Redding, the president of the SMEA, said.
“We need to do a fabulous job, like today, advocating and showing everyone it’s there.”
Redding said music offers many students a sense of community they may not otherwise find in school.
“Inside the band room, the music room, the drama club - music especially - is a home for kids. They find a place to belong and they find people like them,” Redding said.
Psychologist Devin Seghers said science has proven the effects that music has on brain development.
“A student who learns a musical instrument, or takes music or choral, that for the brain it prevents mental anguish later in life, especially during the teen years. It alleviates anxiety,” he said.
“We have discovered that they are also a full year academically ahead of their peers that have not enrolled in music.”
Some educators, including Jennifer McAllister, say music has expanded within schools in Saskatchewan over the past several years.
“Really quality music programs and really skilled music teachers have a lot of resources at their finger tips,” she said.
“[Music] is good for us our whole life, so an investment in music education in young people is an investment in wellbeing for people for their whole life.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.