Ouch. If you’ve taught music class for any length of time, you’ve probably heard someone question its purpose, or hint that it might even be a waste of time. Students sometimes wonder why they are required to learn certain subjects. That curiosity certainly makes sense. But it can be discouraging when a similar comment comes from an adult—especially if that adult is a parent or a teaching colleague. Suddenly, you’re placed in the uncomfortable position of explaining the value of your subject to someone who may not fully comprehend what actually happens in your classroom.
Because you recognize how much your students grow through music class every single day, hearing someone question the purpose of your program can be upsetting. Even so, these conversations can still become meaningful opportunities to share what your classroom offers, and to help others understand the bigger picture of why music matters.
How can we guide these conversations? We can start with the unique skills and experiences that make music class so essential in the schools.
Music Class Builds Confidence and Discipline
It’s common knowledge that students who participate in music class will gradually build confidence and discipline over time. Still, it may not be apparent from the first class, when a student might feel the opposite: e.g. when they hit a sour note or mess up a rhythm. But, this is a natural process that becomes stronger and more evident the longer and more frequently a child participates in the music program. When children do achieve those small musical successes, their confidence grows, and they begin to believe in themselves.
Music class teaches children that they can do difficult things. There may be days when they feel tired, bored, or unmotivated, but each time they choose to practice, two important things happen:
- They become better musicians.
- Their minds get stronger.
That’s called discipline. Students eventually come to recognize that being a successful musician means committing to their craft, whether that’s through singing, or playing a musical instrument. When students make this commitment, they start to see real progress, which strengthens their confidence over time. They may eventually choose to take risks through performing in front of others, or auditioning for a higher-level ensemble. Confidence and discipline are life skills that can guide students through all sorts of academic and social situations. Is that a waste of time? I would say no!
How Music Class Shapes Well-Rounded Kids
Did you know that great philosophers viewed music education as a foundation for creative thinking and lifelong curiosity? In ancient Greece, music education was viewed as an important element in cultivating young people’s souls. Philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates believed that music helped support a child’s emotional development and helped children grow into thoughtful and productive members of their community.
When the value of music class comes into question, we need to respond by proving that a well-rounded education includes experiences beyond traditional academics. How do we do this? Through community education, and constant reflection.
There is no better source than the students themselves. Try selecting students to talk about their repertoire at school concerts. They might share details about a new genre they’re learning, and how it shaped their cultural awareness. Or maybe they’ll talk about how a composer symbolized a concept through a particular piece. Students may not come to these realizations on their own, which is why reflection is such an important aspect in music education. These reflections broaden students’ perspectives and help them understand the world through an artistic lens.
Music Class Strengthens Focus and Resilience
Here’s another point to consider: musicians are expert multitaskers. Think about it! The act of playing a musical instrument engages almost every part of the brain. Students in music class are learning to read notes, count rhythms in time with the beat, and engage their fine motor skills, all while playing musically. These ensemble skills are multifaceted and require careful concentration.
Students also learn to stick with musical challenges, making gradual improvements through consistent effort. Mistakes inevitably happen, and students discover how to embrace this as part of the learning process. Over time, students develop strategies for recovering from their mistakes, developing resilience that will carry them in all aspects of life.
Music Class Teaches Teamwork and Cooperation
From an outsider’s perspective, music class may seem like a waste of time, where students play noisy instruments among their friends. How hard could that really be? Little do these observers know that ensemble playing requires refined listening skills and teamwork.
Students begin to recognize how their musical contributions impact the ensemble as a whole. Working towards a common musical goal teaches students to cooperate, and to build a supportive classroom culture. It also strengthens relationships, often leading to lifelong friendships.
Building these teamwork skills helps students recognize how much their effort matters. They become more patient group members and more thoughtful collaborators during school projects. Music class gives students a safe place to practice these skills every day. And that makes a noticeable difference in how they show up in school and in their relationships with others.
Music Class Encourages Creativity
Creativity is a valuable life skill, and there’s no better place to nurture it than in music class. It provides a rare space where there’s no single “right answer.” Students are given opportunities to explore music through active listening, movement, and improvisation. These creative tasks lead to students developing flexible and imaginative thinking that supports problem solving both inside and outside the classroom.
Some students may choose to expand their creativity further by composing their own music. Composition provides an outlet for students to share their musical ideas with intention. They learn how to make choices, revise their work, and shape their ideas into something they feel proud of. This creative process teaches them to approach challenges with confidence and imagination, both in school and in their everyday lives.
Self-Expression Is Not a Waste of Time
Self-expression may be more relevant than ever in this era of social media saturation and evolving global challenges. Music class provides a healthy environment for students to express their feelings and process their emotions. Instead of wasting time, students are reducing their stress and learning to understand themselves at a deeper level. Music class supports the emotional well-being and mental health of students in an ever-changing society.
Music, Joy, and Creativity Are Never a Waste of Time
You know what’s not a waste of time? Happiness. There might be subjects that seem more important, but true learning shouldn’t revolve around tests and homework. Students deserve to have positive experiences that make them love coming to school. Music class is a reminder that there is more to learning than memorizing facts or finishing worksheets. It’s a place where children make lifelong friends and build positive memories.
Music also plays a central role in helping students grow in ways that cannot be measured on a single exam. Students learn how to think deeply, listen with intent, and work toward common goals. They learn how to handle challenges, manage their emotions, and stay committed when something feels difficult. These skills ultimately strengthen every part of their education, not just the time they spend in the music room. Music is a core subject because it develops capable and thoughtful learners. Calling that a waste of time overlooks everything students gain when they walk through the door of the music room.
So when someone questions the purpose of your program, it helps to remember what students truly gain in your classroom. They develop skills that strengthen their thinking, their communication, and their ability to collaborate with others. They learn how to manage challenges, process their emotions, and stay committed when something feels difficult.
Sharing these points with parents, colleagues or administrators can help them understand the full picture of what music contributes to a child’s growth. There may not be a perfect script for every conversation, but reminding people of these simple truths gives you a strong starting point. Music class is far from a waste of time. It is a meaningful part of a child’s education, and your work makes a difference.
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