In a world filled with sound, how do you decide what is healthy for your children? Researchers have been fascinated with the impact of music on the development of a baby's brain. Years ago, I gave a tape of Mozart's music to one of my children awaiting the birth of their first child. The plan was to play it before the child was born and during those first few months as sleep patterns were developed. The music's soothing and calming effects are known as the Mozart Effect. While there are different opinions about its long-term effect on brain development, the music allows parent and child to relax in a calm setting.

Schools have always recognized the importance of music in the lives of their students. My mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse outside of Danville, Virginia, and later ran a preschool for many years in Richmond. A believer in the effects of different types of music on the cognitive abilities of her students, she had them explore the diverse tones and rhythms of various instruments. She had young students make instruments from empty oatmeal boxes, rubber bands, and any other recycled items they could find. She played the piano “by ear” to provide the background for their creative music. Today's students are not dependent on a record player, cassette tape, or stereo to hear their music. They can stream their choices through their phones.

Our schools provide excellent music programs that begin in kindergarten and continue into orchestra, band, and chorus opportunities in upper elementary, middle and high school classes and performance groups. Students learn to read music, work as a team, and focus on their piece of the performance. All of these skills carry over into their other coursework.  

Several months ago, a fascinating program aired on NPR about a very low-performing school in California that set up a music program. A local music business donated instruments for the students. The student testing over two years showed amazing increases in the math and reading skills of the students who participated in that music program.

Music programs have faced many challenges for the last two years. I've always been proud that the Chesapeake school division never cut their music and art programs, even during the Great Recession when schools all over the country were slashing their budgets. Local parents have always supported the importance of the arts in their children's lives, but there are students whose parents cannot afford to rent or buy an instrument.

What can we do to support those students? How about cleaning out your closets at home and finding those dusty instruments your children used for practice before leaving for college and a career. Some lucky student would be thrilled to join the band or orchestra. All you have to do is email Dr. John Chenault, the Music Supervisor, at johnchenault@cpschools.com  and let him know your contact information and which instruments you would like to donate. It will be Music to His Ears!