The well-known philosopher Plato once said, “Music is a moral law, which gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
The universal language that has the power to unite people from every corner of the globe is usually one of the most overlooked subjects in schools and colleges nationwide. Components of music such as pitch, harmony, melody, rhythm and emotion engage different regions of the brain, according to a L.A. Times article.
This has proven to be advantageous when treating Alzheimer’s Disease, speech impairments such as stuttering and helping stroke victims regain motor skills. Another article also stated that simply listening to music helps older minds stay healthy.
The pleasure that results from listening to our favorite tunes, the article said, releases neural growth factors that promote the growth and replacement of brain cells.
For younger generations, involvement in music results in higher SAT scores and GPAs. Because so much focus on learning an instrument or music is required, it filters into other areas in school, according to another L.A. Times article.
Students who make music part of their lives also connect better with each other. The resulting increase in self-esteem leads to fewer fights, lower criminal activity and better overall citizenship in the community.
With all of these benefits, why is that music and other fine arts programs are usually the first to be cut from academia?
In the last board of trustees meeting this month, President Thomas Fallo mentioned that even he was surprised that the state looked at fine arts programs first when making budget decisions, especially with Los Angeles being an entertainment hub for the rest of the country and world.
Student organizations such as the Society of Music on campus were established to combat this specific problem.
Through fundraising with student-run recitals and raising awareness of the importance of music programs on campus and throughout the community, they have started a movement to support the music department that all of us should help to interest ourselves in.
Whether helping a music major transfer to a university or teaching an older adult to finally take that piano class, the music department provides an enormous service to this community.
Although advances in technology are making record stores and compact discs extinct, the music industry is still a lucrative business. Several success stories can be seen from the college’s Applied Music Program including professional musicians who tour the world, playing every big name venue. Brian Wilson and the other Wilson brothers are one of the most famous EC alumnus to have walked through our halls. If more cuts are made, they’ll probably be the last.
