This article originally appeared in Bachelors Degree.  11 – 20 benefits are listed below:

11. Fine-tuned auditory skills: Musicians can better detect meaningful, information-bearing elements in sounds, like the emotional meaning in a baby’s cry. Students who practice music can have better auditory attention, and pick out predictable patterns from surrounding noise.

12. Music builds imagination and intellectual curiosity: Introducing music in the early childhood years can help foster a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity. Artistic education develops the whole brain and develops a child’s imagination.

13. Music can be relaxing: Students can fight stress by learning to play music. Soothing music is especially helpful in helping kids relax.

14. Musical instruments can teach discipline: Kids who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument.

15. Preparation for the creative economy: Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers, and these jobs may grow faster than others in the future.

16. Development in creative thinking: Kids who study the arts can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing that there may be more than one right answer.

17. Music can develop spatial intelligence: Students who study music can improve the development of spatial intelligence, which allows them to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures. Spatial intelligence is helpful for advanced mathematics and more.

18. Kids can learn teamwork: Many musical education programs require teamwork as part of a band or orchestra. In these groups, students will learn how to work together and build camaraderie.

19. Responsible risk-taking: Performing a musical piece can bring fear and anxiety. Doing so teaches kids how to take risks and deal with fear, which will help them become successful and reach their potential.

20. Better self-confidence: With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument can build pride and confidence. Musical education is also likely to develop better communication for students.

1. Who is your favorite artist?  I like many types of music so I don’t have just one favorite group or artist. But one of my favorites would have to be Beyoncé.

2. What are you currently working on?   Katie and I are currently working on Through the Eyes of Love from “Ice Castles.”

3. How long have you been taking vocal lessons?  I started taking vocal lessons when I was around 10 years old. I did plays and performances, so taking vocal lessons just seemed like a natural thing to do. I started back up over a year ago, and ever since I have loved getting back into working on my technique and expressing my emotions through songs.

4. What is your favorite food?   My favorite food is Italian food, especially pasta!

5. What is your main goal for this year?   My main goal for my senior year is to work on improving my vocal scale and broadening the styles of songs I will sing.

Karim V.     Marcus A.
Gavin L.      Joseph V.
Nayeli T.     Bobby L.
Vaughn L.   Chryssa P.
Mike M.