CMU School of Drama


Monday, November 10, 2014

Arts Education Transforms Societies

Robert L. Lynch: Do you enjoy the sleek look of your new iPhone? You can thank Steve Jobs for taking a calligraphy class at Reed College. Have you or your kids scribbled on a pair of Vans sneakers? Vans' President Kevin Bailey credits the brand's creativity with the arts education many of his employees have taken. At her promotion and swearing-in ceremony a few weeks ago, Capt. Moira McGuire, assistant chief of Integrated Health and Wellness at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, credited the arts as central to her practice as a caregiver for our wounded, returning military veterans. These are just a few of today's leaders crediting their success to arts education.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Sadly this is actually true. There is a reason that some of the greatest minds in the past had a hint of music in their background, or is music the reason they had such great minds? It is proven by science that people who play instruments are more able to make connections in their brain than students who do not. I found this to be true all though school. The kids in the band and orchestra were the same kids that were in the G/T and AP courses. I thought it was just a coincidence, maybe that this meant that these people had more dedication to study because they practiced for so long etc. but it turns out that it is a direct correlation. (Usually the higher ranked were also the smarter people) Music, any art really, stimulates your brain in a way that you don't normally get on an everyday basis. I'm not talking about listening to music. Making music is where it's at. It gives you such expression that usually isn't used in a conversation. Art is a fabulous thing that expands the mind past all the structured academic crap that they throw at you once you turn 5 years old. Structured school without music really just beats the creativity out of you because there is a way that works and it will always work so you have to do it that way. But what if there was a more efficient way that hadn't yet been thought of?