ENJOYING THE ARTS

Enjoying the Arts:

The benefits we listed include enhanced quality of life from an early age by developing fine motor skills, and higher levels of concentration, enhanced SAT test scores in English and math for teenage students, and increased mind stimulation in the golden years.

In the final analysis, the choice to pursue these advantages is a personal one. Just watching TV on the couch for hours can´t really be counted as an effort to engage in arts education, although choosing carefully what to watch can be a big step down the path to allowing the arts to begin enhancing your life.

If your arts education begins on the computer, start with two of our music education program reviews-Learn Piano Online and Piano Software. The piano is the most commonly played musical instrument and often the first introduction most people receive to the world of arts education.

Research produces numerous articles on the benefits of mastering a musical instrument. A 2005 Stanford University study, for example, showed that music improved information-processing skills in areas of the brain associated with language development. The study further concluded that music study might have implications for improving language and reading skills as well.

Much has also been debated about the value of arts programs in the public school system, including articles, Arts Programs in the Schools and Benefits to Music Study. To truly allow yourself personal choice that requires commitment.

 

Suggestions for Starting a Personal Arts Education Journey

1. Watching TV

 If your method for relaxing after a stressful day is to find your favorite spot on the couch and turn on the tube, consider opting for more informative programs that can heighten your interest in the arts. Many channels, especially PBS stations, offer informative programs about music, dance and art. A&E, The History Channel and The Discovery Channel often provide similar programs on these topics. Need a good rental? Many famous artists and musicians have had movies made about their lives. This is an excellent way to pique your interest in their compositions. Many of these movies are award-winning classics. Amadeus, anyone?  

2. Listening to Music

 Classical music may be a new experience for you, but try it. While Opera might not be the best starting point for faint-of-heart newbies, you can work your way up to enjoying this rewarding art form by adding music composed by Beethoven and Mozart to your MP3 player. If you like to have music on while reading or studying (and we know that teenagers in your household do), insist on classical music for this purpose. You will notice that their concentration on the task at hand will increase tremendously. Have you ever heard of the Mozart Effect? Alfred A. Tomatis first coined this term, when he claimed that listening to Mozart´s music created short-term, when he claimed that listening to Mozart´s music created short-term improvement in spatial-temporal reasoning.

3. Reading

 Read up on a fascinating composer or find some great historical books, including    the historical-fiction genre, to learn more about a chosen topic. Some of the most stimulating books can be found in beautiful coffee table editions filled with masterpieces from the art world. No time for the luxury of hunkering down in a hammock with a book? Audio books are available from many online sellers that give you a chance to listen while you are driving or involved with various activities.

With so many formats available, you´ll never run short on great avenues to explore as you begin your foray into the world of arts education.