When we hear the term “academic,” we may first think of subjects such as math, reading, and writing and make the assumption that they are more important to the child’s intellectual development than other parts of their education. The study of music is a cognitive endeavor too, and the Fine Arts are the epitome of intellectualism because they require the brain to engage in three-dimensional thinking. Professor Jeff B.R. Gaspersz, a professor of innovation management at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands, explains that “three-dimensional thinking supports your thought movements in pursuit of new ideas.” Music-making engages the thought process to broaden, deepen, and shift thinking. 

Supports Idea Generation

Music has been known to engage the imagination, capture the heart, connect the body, create community, and soothe the spirit. It engages the whole being—the brain, the heart, the body—and creates a connection to each other and to our inner spirit. Music has been an integral part of our curriculum at St. Patrick's, a Nursery through Grade 8 private school in Washington, D.C. It furthers our mission to “develop character, advance human understanding, and promote academic excellence to shape engaged citizens who live with integrity, empathy, and purpose.”

Expands Brain Functionality

Research shows that studying music correlates directly with higher brain function. The University of Zurich scientists Simon Leipold, Carina Klein, and Lutz Jäncke showed that learning music early in life makes the brain develop more complex neural pathways. Their work, Musical Expertise Shapes Functional and Structural Brain Networks Independent of Absolute Pitch Ability, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience. The authors posit that by studying music, the brain becomes more neurologically connected in its structure, function, and plasticity, and, therefore more capable of learning. This research supports the understanding that music improves test results and scholastic aptitude and increases creativity and success throughout life.  

Ensures Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Connections 

The music curriculum at St. Patrick’s is an integral part of the academic curriculum. Students actually grow their brains while studying music. They develop their cognitive abilities, learn about their emotions, and gain a stronger understanding of themselves. Music is kinesthetic and, through it, students learn how their bodies interact with the physical world. Participating in music also draws students directly into the community and spiritual life of St. Patrick’s. 

We have music at almost every gathering and celebration. St. Patrick’s has long valued shared community experience—music-filled school performances are defining moments for connection and community as students rehearse together to create extraordinary final presentations. Far from being a stand-alone endeavor, the study of music integrates with the rest of the scope of the academic study, from Nursery through Grade 8, and it defines, enhances, and enriches the Wolfhound community experience, amplifying the mission and values of this Episcopal private school in D.C. 

“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, it’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.” - Aretha Franklin

When we hear the term “academic,” we may first think of subjects such as math, reading, and writing and make the assumption that they are more important to the child’s intellectual development than other parts of their education. The study of music is a cognitive endeavor too, and the Fine Arts are the epitome of intellectualism because they require the brain to engage in three-dimensional thinking. Professor Jeff B.R. Gaspersz, a professor of innovation management at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands, explains that “three-dimensional thinking supports your thought movements in pursuit of new ideas.” Music-making engages the thought process to broaden, deepen, and shift thinking. 

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul." - Plato

Julianne Reilly
Day School Counselor

Anne Tyler
Former Music Teacher