About Me
Madeline McFarland
Musical Experience
From a young age I began learning piano using the Suzuki method and have enjoyed playing and learning for the past 10 years.
Being awarded the Gold Cup at the Texas Federation of Music Clubs Festival was a high honor for me. This award is given after earning the highest ranking for three consecutive years.
My musical experience has been broadened by playing the violin for many years, and I am in my fifth year playing for the Hill Country Youth Orchestra. Previously I was a member of the Homeschool Orchestra of San Antonio (HOST).
I enjoy playing violin with my church worship team as well as playing for special church events throughout the year.
As the oldest of 6 siblings it has been a blessing to play music with my sisters as well as teach beginner lessons to my youngest siblings.
My favorite piano song is Frohlicher Landmann (The Happy Farmer) and my favorite violin song is Largo from the New World Symphony.
Other Interests
I am a Senior in High school and an honors student, taking dual credit college classes.
As an active member in 4-H, community service and leadership is very important to me. This year, I am serving as a Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador, I get to show other 4-Her’s the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering, and math.
I am also a 2020-2022 Texas 4-H Fashion Ambassador. Getting to share with local clubs about fashion and interior design opportunities has been a highlight of my year. Being elected as the Kendall County Council Reporter has been an exciting experience for me this year, and it has been awesome to connect with other 4-Her’s and teach others.
Some of my “relaxing hobbies” include reading, listening to music, arranging violin music, playing basketball, and knitting scarves.
Where Music is Key
Music Makes You Smarter
Many studies have been done examining the effect music has on your brain, specifically the effect music has on students.
- Improved Memory- Music education involves a high level of memorization. Students must be able to read by sight, play the proper notes on their instruments and recall lyrics. This process benefits the overall memory center of the brain.
- Strengthened hand-eye coordination-Playing a musical instrument has long been known to enhance dexterity and hand-eye coordination.When playing an instrument, a musician must be able to create the correct notes through the proper hand motions, whether it be hitting keys, closing valves or using another apparatus to produce sound. In addition, the musician is also required to read the sheet music and follow the conductor.This opportunity to grow motor skills is especially significant in younger children. Even a basic introduction to an instrument, such as a hitting a triangle or learning a song on a recorder, can be beneficial.
- Mental processing and problem-solving heightened- In the end, one of the most useful benefits of music education is the increased ability to process situations and find solutions mentally. Those with musical training have been found to have higher levels of grey matter volume in their brains, which are directly tied to auditory processing and comprehension.