In 2008 Gibson introduced the Robot guitar that has a self-tuning system called Power-Tune. “Design News” magazine (Feb 25, 2008) has a detailed article on this new guitar.

Also, we should not ignore the significant past history of musical instruments. Museums have done an excellent job in acquiring, preserving and displaying many of these unique instruments. An excellent local museum run by the Schubert Club is in the St. Paul Landmark building but is small in comparison to the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota; where 14,500 instruments are on display.

Of course we can not forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. My favorite exhibit was a circular array of signed drumsticks by all the famous drummers. This year Bob Ulrich (former CEO of Target) built the new Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. He also purchased 12,000 musical instruments for this new building. This museum opens April 24, 2010. As these museums are far away, I would suggest that pulling up the website of the National Music Museum in South Dakota and taking a look. Vermillion, South Dakota is located in the southeastern corner and would be a great addition as part of a road trip to Colorado or the Black Hills.

Participating in musical activities provides unique opportunities for literacy preparation. Under the direction of a teacher, playing an instrument or singing music teaches students about sequential learning which is essential in reading comprehension. It is also learning to hear in new ways and exercising their listening skills. Recent research has found that music is valuable in all areas of a child’s development since it uses both sides of the brain.

ACADEMICS:

• A University of California study found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Music lessons were given to second graders and they scored 27% higher on proportional math and fraction tests than children whom did not receive music lessons.
• Research has shown that musical instruction permanently trains the young mind for enhanced learning.
• Some people feel the aboves reason are the primary incentives for providing music lessons to their children.

PHYSICAL:

• Singing and learning rhythm develops coordination.
• Air and wind power needed to blow a flute, trumpet, saxohone, etc. promotes a healthy body.

EMOTIONAL:

• Music is an art form allowing us an artistic outlet for our emotions.
• Music is a vehicle of expression.

MUSIC IS FOR LIFE:

• Many sports can’t be played after a certain age but we can sing forever!
• We can play the piano or other instruments as long as our body lets us!

Music is  a gift we can give that lasts our entire life!