Over the years, documented studies have confirmed the benefits of music education on new born and children. Music education benefits include everything from changing a students’ mood to helping them solve math problems. In general, it helps a student become successful in the school environment. Music has immediate effects on brain activity which scientists are still studying today.

For example, a study was done that involved second graders and math. In this study, the school kids were divided into two groups. One group used newly-designed math software to augment their mathematical skills. The other group also used this software but in addition the kids in this group received piano keyboard training. What are the results?

Both groups were tested and the second group of students scored twenty-seven percent higher on the math exam than the first group, which seem to show the positive effects of combining music teaching into other studies. Numerous studies have shown that learning and exposure to music results in improved communication between students. Fights and arguments are reduced. Also students who play in school bands are less likely to use tobacco and alcohol.

Ongoing research at the University of California-Irvine and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (2) demonstrate that learning and playing music builds or modifies Neural pathways related to spatial reasoning tasks, which are crucial for higher brain functions like complex maths, chess and science.

The first studies showed that listening to a Mozart sonata temporarily improved a child’s spatial abilities. Further studies compared children who had computer lessons, children who had singing lessons, children who learned music using a Keyboard and children who did nothing additional. The children who had had the Music classes scored significantly higher – up to 35% higher – than the children did Who had computer classes or did nothing additional
Benefits of music education also include enhancing interpersonal communication skills. This result has also been proven by some of the many studies done throughout the years. A student who is having difficulty concentrating may find it easier when music classes have been added to the curriculum. Playing music helps a student become more self-disciplined and able to control their behavior better, because it provides an acceptable form of self expression.

If students learn to study music successfully they can use the same method to help them study in other classes. They will find it easier to understand instructions. Added benefits of music education include increasing a child’s creativity and helping him or her learn to cooperate with other students. Their social interaction skills improve after playing music together in a group.

In newborns, exposure to music is proven to help develop intelligence. Exposure to classical music helps develop reasoning and language skills in children when begun at an early age. In older children, music education helps them extend their knowledge of the world around them. Music education gives children an avenue to contribute to society, which in turn helps them in life. They are more likely to become well-rounded individuals.

When you are relaxing and having fun, music and water can be part of it at the same time. Here are some ways to help you listen to music while you are swimming:

Purchase a waterproof case for your music player

You need not get yourself a new gadget if you want to listen to music while swimming. You can still make use of your current music player and get it a waterproof case. You will find many waterproof ipod cases, Zune cases, and other waterproof MP3 cases on the market today, and you can pair one with waterproof earphones to complete your gear.

Purchase an underwater music player

If you are not comfortable putting a waterproof case on your music player, you may purchase an MP3 that is intended for underwater use. With these music players, you don’t have to worry about accidents or leaks in your waterproof case that might cause your MP3 player to break.

Consider getting bone conduction sound equipment

Waterproof earphones may not produce the best quality of music underwater and may not give you the best comfort while swimming. Sound waves are disrupted underwater, which makes using standard earphones underwater unadvisable. Get bone-conduction headphones or music players if you want to experience better quality of sound while underwater. However, you’ll need goggles for these headphones to function. They are attached to your facial bone, instead to your ears, by clipping on to both sides of your goggles. Instead of conducting sound vibrations through the wearer’s ear canal, sound vibrations are transmitted via the bone in the inner ear. You may choose to purchase bone conduction headphones alone that can be attached to your MP3 player with waterproof casing, or you can buy a waterproof music player with bone conduction headphones included.

Have speakers that are waterproof and wireless

This option is ideal if you do not want anything on your ears or on your face. This is also a great idea for group swimming activities because all the swimmers can enjoy the music. Waterproof wireless speakers available today are compatible with iPod, Zune, and other MP3 players. These wireless speakers work using a transmitter that broadcasts music from your MP3 player to your speaker. With these equipments, everyone will not only love the great music, but you are also assured that your MP3 player will always remain dry and safe.

Install in your swimming pool a sound system that plays underwater

You may install a sound system that functions in and out of the pool, if you really love music while relaxing in the water. This setup includes waterproof speakers placed at the pool’s bottom and around the pool area. You can listen to music while you swim and even after you leave the pool.

With these smart ideas, swimming is made more enjoyable and relaxing. You can now fully enjoy your pool time if you have music with you even when you are in the water.