Music and sports — are they compatible? Do they somehow relate to one another or are they completely devoid of any relationship whatsoever? It may surprise a lot of people but music and sports are not mutually incompatible. Although at first glance, they may seem like polar opposites but on close examination they do share some common characteristics.
Many people use music as part of their everyday exercise program at home or at the gym, or sometimes both. Music appears to enhance and encourage – evidence the vast array of exercise videos that are on the market. Most, if not all, use music as the basis of exercise. Listening to music makes your workout easier and more fun!
Students learn many things in the music classroom and on the sports field. They learn to be part of a group with common goals and interests. Paramount in both endeavors is teamwork – working together to produce the best possible results. They also learn the value of hard work, practice and rehearsing, discipline and leadership. Not only are these essential to a successful music or athletic program, but they will carry over to one’s adult life.
“Let’s give students a chance to experience two programs that may seem different but are really extremely similar, as they offer students the chance to excel in so many physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual ways,” wrote Michael Morgan in Tearing Down the Walls between Music and Athletics.
Dr. Costas Karageorghis, of Brunel University, London, England, is a noted sports psychologist and a leading authority on music and exercise. He has done studies that clearly show how athletes that were exposed to synchronous music—music that has a clear and steady beat—elevated their performance by 20%.
Dr. Karageorghis also theorizes there are four main components to the effects of music on an athlete. First, it can distract an athlete from fatigue; second, it can act as a mood altering catalyst; third, it can synchronize an athlete’s rhythm and movement, and finally it can act as a trigger for learning certain motions and aid with muscle memory. “Music is like a legal drug for athletes,” said Dr. Karageorghis. “The rhythmical qualities of music also emulate patterns of physical skills; therefore, music can enhance the acquisition of motor skills and create a better learning environment.”
In a series of interviews of musicians and athletes at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, some interesting anecdotal statements came from the respondents. Tim Ward, one of the head coaches who is also an accomplished musician said, “Both music and athletics require a great deal of concentration and focus especially with the more difficult techniques.”
Matt Hahn, a junior water-polo player, is also a bass player for a worship team. “I would have to say that as I was developing musically I was also developing athletically,” said Hahn. “The number of hours spent to be successful at both playing music and playing a sport are very similar.” Ward and Hahn both agree that as their musical skills are improving, so are their athletic skills. “Those who were part of music were much better on the sports teams than those I knew who were not involved in music before participating in athletics,” said Hahn.
There is ample evidence from professional sports psychologists and actual musician/athletes that there is a strong correlation between music and athletics. Learned traits outside of sports, such as music, can cross over to sports and enhance athletic performance.
In my years of experience as a teacher at the high school level and professor at universities, I have personally seen students who excel in music often do well at various sports. If you are a music student, a football player, a gymnast, a workout enthusiast or just a walker, music will add life, energy and fun to your activity.
Don’t miss the Danville Community Band’s Annual Dinner Concert at the Blackhawk Country Club on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Contact the Blackhawk Country Club at 925-736-6500 for reservations. Seating is limited.
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.
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