Why is music important? Music is academic.  According to an UCLA research,  music participation provides a unique opportunity for literacy preparation. Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”.  Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain; a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development. Music is physical as it develops rhythm coordination. Music is emotional and provides an artistic outlet. Music is for life, it is a gift that will last a child’s entire life. The Gallatin County Extension  office offers three different music groups, one for Grades 1-2, one for grades 3-8, and one for adults. Children in grades 1 and 2 are learning an appreciation of music by learning different music  genres, rhythm sequences, and different instruments. Using anecdotal observation, by the end of the school year they could identify the notes on the music staff, identify several different music genres and instruments and clap basic rhythm patterns.    Children in grades 3-8 are learning rhythm sequences, names of notes, and the basics of the piano.  Again by using anecdotal observation by the end of the school year students were able to name all the notes and play basic songs on the piano.   The adult group by the end of the year were able to play basic hymns in church.