So why is music & creativity so important?
Music:
Even Plato once said that “music is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. Research has shown extensively that music uses both sides of the brain and aides its growth academically, emotionally and physically.
Today’s education structure is placing more emphasis on “standardised testing” than ever before, with an increased focus on the core subjects of maths, english and science at the expense of other subjects (namely the creative arts). This is despite countless studies which have shown that this method is simply not effective. A recent study from the University of California found that second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on maths and literacy exams than children who did not. Being exposed to music training permanently wires brains for enhanced performance.
In addition to this music aides in coordination, provides an emotional and artistic outlet (which is particularly important for those with conditions such as ADHD and Autism as they are often the students who need that type of outlet most) and music is a life skill: Long after the body is unable to play sport or other physical activities, music will always be accessible.
Creativity:
Creativity has been described as:
- Having original thought of merit
- Being able to think of new ways of doing things
- Being able to look at something in a new way
- Being able to problem solve through unique solutions
- The ability to create something original, new and unique
Creativity is really a combination of self expression, curiosity, exploration, experimentation, imagination and lateral thinking which manifests itself as a state, a quality, an ability or process.
It is important to note that having creative qualities is not the same as having “talent”. Not everyone will have naturally occurring skills in music, art, dance, writing, or problem-solving, though all deserve and need the opportunity to think, imagine, explore, be curious and express themselves!
When we consider the importance of creativity we are apt to think of it only in the context of art. Though important, art is only a small part of creativity. The most profound, yet simple way to consider its significance: We use creativity in every aspect of our lives, everyday.
In less abstract terms creativity aides and encouages:
- Problem solving
- Independent thinking
- Critical thinking
- Leadership abilities
- Self management
- Self esteem
- Communication
- Emotional stability
Composition is a combination of music and creativity and Creative Wire Workshops ensure that creativity and original thought are the fundamental properties of our workshops.
Side Note
On a side note, here at Creative Wire, have been researching students’ attitudes towards music over the past several years and have gathered information across varying ages, sexes, socio-economic backgrounds and different countries. This information not only provides us vital information for the workshops we write, but is also a unique and eye opening glimpse into education in general.
Below is one of the graphs that always strikes a chord with us here at Creative Wire. It’s the results to the question: “How important do you think it is to learn music at school.” What is most disturbing is the ever growing level of apathy towards music as students grow older. The amount of red (not important) is disappointing, though it demonstrates that they have at least been exposed to a minimum amount of music for them to form a stong opinion. The level of apathy is extremely worrying though as it displays that children aren’t being exposed to music education enough to even form an opinion and highlights the importance of the work we do here at Creative Wire. This graph repeats itself time after time and location after location.

Even further side note:
Below is TED talk of Ken Livingston on the importance of creativity in a way that we here at Creative Wire continue to find inspiring, confronting and eye opening.
