The Harmony of Kindness and Learning: How Music Education Cultivates Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
This past year, I attended Musikfest—an annual, 10-day festival tradition in the Lehigh Valley, where I live, that brings together an ever-growing diversity of food, fun, and music. The musical performances range from local to national acts, all playing on FREE outdoor stages scattered across the city of Bethlehem, along with indoor venues and concert halls requiring [very reasonably priced] tickets. This is no Coachella…it’s better—much better. Bethlehem trades the scorching desert heat and celebrity-chasing crowds for a truly eclectic mix of music lovers from all walks of life. People of all ages and backgrounds gather to experience a generous dose of joy served up with tasty treats, unique arts and crafts, and plenty of beer.
When I say “a diverse lineup,” I don’t just mean a few different bands. At Musikfest, the range of musical styles is so vast that it’s hard not to find something you love. Of course, in my case, it was also easy to stumble upon a style I am not a huge fan of—like polka 🪗 😒.
Now, if you’re a polka fan, you might immediately feel defensive at my statement. And that’s a perfect example of how musical taste can be closely tied to culture and identity, sparking what some might call “taste wars.” Yet as I sat there at a tented table, drinking beer and enjoying food from a local vendor, I found myself softening. I even began to enjoy it 😮. And I realized that music has a unique power to break down walls and open us to different cultures.
That is something that almost every musician learns: how to appreciate various styles, build tolerance, and discover the joy of music, no matter the genre. Because all music is made for human kind. ****And that is what I also am passing on to my students at Piano Belloso Music — that music builds bridges.
Enjoying the sights, sounds, and TASTES at Musikfest 2024
Human Kindness
Music is often called the “universal language,” bridging gaps across culture, age, and background. But its impact goes beyond melody and rhythm. Research increasingly shows that music education plays a profound role in fostering emotional intelligence and empathy—core elements of human kindness.
The act of learning music requires:
collaboration,
active listening,
and self-expression,
which are all skills that naturally build emotional awareness. As musician Yo-Yo Ma says, “Music is the language of the soul.” In learning music, students don’t just learn notes and rhythms; they learn to connect with themselves and others on a deeper emotional level.
“Music is the language of the soul.”
Music and Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, while also being sensitive to others'. Studies have shown that music education can significantly enhance EI. A study from the University of Cambridge found that children involved in group music activities improved in empathy and emotional sensitivity, particularly through singing.
In music, students constantly interpret feelings, both in themselves and in the pieces they play. They learn to read subtle cues in musical expression and to convey emotion in their performances. This constant practice in understanding emotions translates into better social awareness and empathy. According to Dr. Daniel Levitin, neuroscientist and author of This Is Your Brain on Music, "Music is one of the most powerful ways to increase empathy and compassion because it engages emotional centers in the brain."
“Music is one of the most powerful ways to increase empathy and compassion because it engages emotional centers in the brain.”
Music and Empathy
Learning to play in a group, whether a duet, ensemble, or choir, teaches students to work cooperatively, listening and adjusting to others. This kind of interaction builds empathy because musicians must be attuned to their fellow performers to create a cohesive sound. Studies by the University of Southern California indicate that music training can even lead to changes in brain structures related to empathy, particularly in children.
Empathy also extends to understanding cultural differences, as music is embedded in cultural identity. When students learn music from diverse backgrounds, they are exposed to stories, struggles, and joys from around the world, nurturing a sense of global understanding and compassion.
Building Kindness Through Music Education
In music classrooms, students find a safe space to express themselves without judgment, fostering kindness and respect. Teachers who lead with empathy and encourage self-expression show students that kindness begins within. Sir Elton John once said, "Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours." This healing power extends to how we connect with others, reinforcing kindness, acceptance, and respect.
“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”
Through music education, students gain more than technical skills; they learn what it means to be human. Music becomes a mirror, reflecting back the best parts of us—our capacity for kindness, empathy, and understanding. When students learn these values through music, they carry them forward into all aspects of their lives, creating a ripple effect that contributes to a kinder, more compassionate world.
“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
If you’d like to give your kids (or yourself) that gift? Reach out to me today at Piano Belloso Music — Where music builds bridges.
Article Footnotes
University of Cambridge Study on Group Music and Empathy: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/music-of-kindness-playing-together-strengthens-empathy-in-children
University of Southern California Study on Music Training and Empathy: https://dornsife.usc.edu/bci/brain-and-music-program/
Further Reading and Research
Numerous articles and social media posts celebrate the connection between human kindness and music education. Here are some highlights:
Music to Inspire Kindness: A resource from Greater Good In Education emphasizes that making music together fosters connection and kindness, even among strangers. Research shows that group music-making can lead to increased generosity in children. For example, preschoolers who participated in a sing-along were more likely to share stickers and help researchers compared to those who only recited lyrics as poetry[1][5].
Empathy Development through Music: A study highlighted by Cambridge University found that regular participation in group music activities significantly enhances children's empathy. The research involved children aged 8 to 11 and demonstrated that musical interaction promotes emotional understanding, leading to altruistic behaviors such as helping others[2][3]. This suggests that music education can serve as a powerful medium for teaching emotional intelligence.
Community and Kindness: An article from Doing Good Together discusses how music transcends language barriers and brings people together. It encourages children to engage in musical activities with seniors or participate in community performances, which can spread joy and kindness[6]. This aligns with the idea that shared musical experiences can strengthen community bonds.
Practical Applications in Classrooms: A teaching resource outlines various lesson ideas that integrate kindness into music education. These lessons not only aim to enhance musical skills but also focus on building human connections among students[7][8].
The overarching theme across these resources is that music education not only nurtures artistic skills but also plays a crucial role in developing social-emotional competencies, fostering a culture of kindness and empathy among young learners.
Citations:
https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/music-to-inspire-kindness/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-music-kindness-empathy-children.html
https://academic.oup.com/book/44570/chapter-abstract/376642004?login=false&redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/practice_as_pdf/music_to_inspire_kindness_in_kids?printPractice=Y
https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/dgt-newsletter/music-brings-joy-and-kindness-to-the-world
https://teachingwithorff.com/lesson-ideas-kindness-is-elemental/
https://www.musicconstructed.com/guild/a-musical-passport-to-kindness/