Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Music

Critical thinking is a term that we hear a lot, but many people don’t really stop to think about what it means or how to use it. In education, critical thinking is a form of learning that goes beyond memorization and recall of facts. It enables students to synthesize information and apply creative thought to solve a problem or reach a conclusion.

Critical thinking skills are not restricted to a particular subject area. Whatever we choose to do, being able to think clearly and solve problems systematically is important. It enhances language and presentation skills, promotes creativity, and is the foundation for scientific thought.

Is there a connection between music education and developing critical thinking skills?

Absolutely! Music study teaches children skills that are applicable to their entire future. They learn ways to come up with multiple solutions to problems; how to evaluate their results and make adjustments to their ideas; they get to experience the excitement of achievement; and, even more importantly, they experience discomfort of not succeeding on the first try. A quality music education provides guidance, but not answers. This allows the students to develop those ever-important critical thinking skills by processing the information given, and coming up with their own solution.

Read more about how music helps develop critical thinking skills in the article: “Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in Music Class.”