In recent years at Monroe-Woodbury, there has been a growing concern about whether music lessons during school hours interfere with students’ academic performance. In reality, regular music lessons can benefit a student’s academic potential in a variety of ways.

Music lessons for band, orchestra and choir students are mandatory and held once a week. The lesson is held during a different period out of the music teacher’s free periods each week.

Jenna Rouchon, freshman, said that lessons do not affect her grades. Rouchon also stated that she always checks with her teachers and makes sure to make up the work she misses.

Teachers in the music department understand that there are often conflicts with their lesson schedules.

Symphonic Band Director, Mr. Petrocelli, said that every week there are at least a few kids that have some sort of conflict between lessons and their class. In situations like these, students have the opportunity to schedule make-up lessons that can protect their grade in their music class.

“I schedule my lesson periods to fit around my classes and my duty,” added Mr. Petrocelli. 

The music teachers make sure they teach students at the learning pace they’re comfortable with. This method of teaching encourages students to have fun and enjoy playing their instruments. 

Not only do music lessons teach students about performing in a group, but they also teach students individual solos. These solos prepare students for extracurricular activities that require try-outs.

“He pulls us aside one-on-one to do stuff we need to do like solos and sight reading, stuff like that,” said Owen Edwards, freshman. “It’s important to talk to your band teachers. It’s important to get feedback that’s more than general commands.” 

Music lessons can also expand and build your overall skills on the instrument. A 2022 meta-analysis in Educational Research Review found learning to play an instrument as a child or adolescent has a modest but significant positive impact on cognitive skills and academic achievement.

Not only do music lessons add to your musical ability, they give you an easily achievable 100 that can boost your grade.

Musical talent and involvement in band can add to your college applications, too. Certain instruments such as piano, violin, flute, oboe, bassoon, harp and tuba make a good first impression on colleges. Genuine pursuit of an instrument can lead to graduating the Tri-M Music Honor Society, earning scholarships, and gaining entry into prestigious colleges.

Students who balance music lessons with their academic performance can find many improvements in both their musical, intellectual, and academic life.