'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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.