Music Education: Revisiting the “5 C’s”
The “Five C’s” — critical thinking, collaboration, creating, communication, and citizenship — were adopted by RCPS several years ago to help our students grow into well-rounded, adaptable, and employable adults. These skills are developed in all subjects, but music education stands out as powerful and inherently effective for their development. I first wrote about this topic in a Chimney Rock Chronicle article in 2020 and decided to revisit how music classes continue to serve as a dynamic incubator for the Five C’s, preparing students not just for a performance, but for life.
Music is a language of both logic and emotion, where critical thinking is an immediate and ongoing process. As students interpret pitch, rhythms, melody, harmony, tempo and dynamics (volume), they are also identifying the patterns in recurring musical themes, phrases, and structures. Students don’t just read the notes; they interpret and analyze the information printed on the page, constantly problem solve and adjust in real-time, correcting mistakes, matching sound, and aligning across the ensemble. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found a positive correlation between sustained music training and improved executive functions, including working memory and cognitive flexibility, all foundational to critical thinking. Music students learn to think on their feet, a skill directly transferable to professional environments and life challenges.
Ensemble participation offers the ultimate lesson in collaboration. Music ensembles become single, breathing entities where individuals contribute to the collective goal. Students are actively listening, paying close attention to fellow musicians to blend sounds, maintain tempo, and respond to cues from the conductor; they share the responsibility that each part of the ensemble is crucial to the whole and that their individual preparation impacts everyone else’s success; they learn to navigate disagreements and find a common ground for interpretation through conflict resolution. A 2022 survey by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation highlighted that music students consistently report higher levels of teamwork skills and a greater ability to work effectively in a group setting, compared to their non-musical peers. The synchronized effort required to create a cohesive performance, instills a deep understanding of shared purpose and teamwork.
While a significant part of music education involves interpreting existing works, creativity is at its core. Music students are not merely replicating sounds; they are actively shaping them when they spontaneously generate new musical ideas through improvisation in Jazz. Students learn to adapt music for different instruments or voices through arranging, and some even write their own original music compositions. Data from the College Board’s 2024 SAT reports shows that students with four or more years of music or art study scored, on average, 100 points higher on the math and verbal sections than those with no arts experience. This suggests a powerful link between creative expression and overall cognitive development.
Music is a universal language that transcends spoken words. Students in music classes communicate in multiple ways, as they respond to a director’s conducting and visual cues, and connect with fellow musicians through body language and breath. Musicians convey complex emotions and narratives through sound, at times communicating what words sometimes cannot. Ensemble members also engage with the audience to share a story, creating a memorable experience for all. Beyond the stage, this training improves public speaking skills and confidence. A 2021 study by the University of Kansas found that students who participated in band or choir demonstrated improved verbal communication skills and reduced anxiety when speaking in front of groups.
Music classes foster a strong sense of community and civic responsibility. The discipline and dedication that drives the commitment to practice comes from a strong work ethic, a cornerstone of responsible citizenship. Music groups often perform for the community, at school events or for charitable causes, teaching students the value of contributing their talents to a larger good. This experience builds empathy, cooperation, and a sense of belonging, all of which are critical for building a strong, inclusive society.
Music education is not just about learning an instrument or singing a song; it’s about building the fundamental skills that define success in the 21st century. The Five C’s are a daily reality in a music class. From the critical thinking required to interpret a score, to the collaboration needed for a perfect blend, the creative spark of performance, the silent communication between musicians, and the citizenship that binds an ensemble, music education is a powerful and proven path to developing well-rounded, compassionate, and capable individuals. You can’t go wrong when your child decides to join the Band or Choir, your local music programs deserve your support!
