When parents shortlist schools, the questions tend to centre on
academics, safety and fees. Arts programmes often come last, if at all,
treated as a pleasant extra rather than a core part of education. But a
growing body of research and decades of classroom experience point the
other way: art, music and dance are among the most powerful ways
children develop thinking skills, emotional awareness, discipline and
joy.
This guide explains why art, music and dance matter in
school, what children gain from them, and how to judge a
school’s arts offering when you visit. It applies to families across
Gunjur, Varthur and Sarjapur Road comparing CBSE schools. We use M S
Dhoni Global School (MSDGS), which lists art and craft, music and dance
in its beyond-academics programme and describes performing and visual
art labs, as an example. For the wider picture, see our guide to the best CBSE school in
Gunjur.
The
Arts Are Not a Break From Learning. They Are Learning.
It is easy to see a painting session or a dance class as “free time.”
But watch closely and you will see children observing, planning,
experimenting, solving problems and reflecting. These are the same
thinking skills used in maths and science, applied through creative
expression.
The National Education Policy 2020 reinforces this view by
encouraging the integration of arts into every stage of schooling. Read
more in CBSE and NEP
2020 explained for parents.
What Children Gain from
Art and Craft
Fine motor skills
Cutting, drawing, painting and clay work strengthen small hand
muscles, which supports handwriting.
Visual thinking and
observation
Drawing teaches children to look closely at shapes, colours and
details, a skill valuable in science and design.
Creativity and
problem-solving
Open-ended tasks like “make something from these materials” encourage
flexible thinking. There is no single right answer.
Emotional expression
Children who find it hard to express feelings in words can often do
so through colour and form.
Patience and focus
Finishing a piece of work takes sustained attention, which builds
concentration.
Confidence
Seeing your work displayed on a wall gives children pride and a sense
of competence.
What Children Gain from
Music
Listening and memory
Learning songs and rhythms strengthens auditory skills and memory.
Early exposure to music is linked with language development.
Maths and pattern
recognition
Rhythm, beats and scales are patterns and ratios in action.
Discipline and perseverance
Learning an instrument or a song requires regular practice and
rewards persistence.
Teamwork
Singing in a choir or playing in a group teaches children to listen,
blend and support others.
Emotional wellbeing
Music can lift mood, calm nerves and bring joy.
What Children Gain from
Dance
Physical fitness and
coordination
Dance builds strength, balance, flexibility and body awareness.
Rhythm and memory
Learning sequences develops memory and concentration.
Self-expression and
confidence
Performing, even in front of a small group, helps children feel
comfortable in their own bodies.
Cultural connection
Classical and folk dances connect children to heritage, while modern
styles offer fresh forms of expression.
Social bonds
Rehearsing together builds trust and friendship.
How the Arts Support
Academics
Arts are not in competition with academic learning. They strengthen
it.
- Language: Songs, rhymes, drama and storytelling
expand vocabulary and expression. - Maths: Patterns, symmetry, rhythm and measurement
appear in art, music and dance. - Science: Observation, experimentation and design
thinking overlap with artistic process. - Focus and discipline: Practice skills transfer to
homework and revision. - Resilience: Performing builds courage, which helps
with exams and presentations.
Our article on building confident
public speakers at school shows how performance experience helps in
other areas too.
What MSDGS Lists in the Arts
On its website, MSDGS includes Art & Craft, Music and Dance in
its Beyond Academics section, alongside Culturals, Sports, Expo, STEM
& Robotics, Leader In Me, Yoga and Field Trips. The Facilities pages
mention performing and visual art labs, and the Culturals page is listed
among its activities. The website does not describe class schedules,
teacher qualifications or the types of music and dance taught, so these
are good questions for your visit. You can read the school’s own pages
on Art & Craft, Music and Dance.
Questions to
Ask a School About Its Arts Programme
- How many periods per week are devoted to art, music and dance?
- Who teaches these subjects, and what are their qualifications?
- Do all children take part, or only those who audition?
- What types of music and dance are taught, for example classical,
folk or contemporary? - Are instruments available, and who maintains them?
- How often are performances or exhibitions held?
- Is the work displayed around the school?
- How is progress in the arts recognised?
Add these to your school visit question
list.
Signs of a Healthy Arts
Culture
When you walk through a school, look for:
- Children’s artwork on walls, not only teacher-made displays
- A dedicated space for art, music or dance
- Children humming, drumming or dancing freely at break
- Teachers who talk about arts with enthusiasm
- Annual events where children perform for peers and parents
Supporting the Arts at Home
Parents can nurture creativity without spending much.
- Provide materials. Crayons, paper, clay and
recycled items are enough. - Display work. A “gallery wall” at home tells
children their work matters. - Sing and dance together. Make it a family
habit. - Listen to varied music. Introduce classical, folk,
film and world music. - Visit galleries, concerts and performances.
Bengaluru offers many family-friendly events. - Praise process, not perfection. Say “I love the
colours you chose,” instead of “That is perfect.” - Avoid over-correcting. Let children experiment
without worrying about right or wrong.
For holiday ideas, see our post on summer
holiday activities for kids.
Arts and Wellbeing
Children today face pressure from academics, screens and social
comparison. Creative activities offer a healthy outlet. They provide a
break from performance pressure, a chance to feel absorbed and a way to
express emotions safely. Along with yoga and mindfulness, arts support
emotional balance. Read yoga and mindfulness
for school children.
Balancing Arts with Other
Commitments
If your child loves the arts but also has sports practice and
homework, plan the week carefully. Protect sleep, family meals and
unstructured play. Encourage depth in one or two activities rather than
shallow participation in many. Review regularly with your child.
A Look at What
Happens in a Good Arts Lesson
Imagine a Class 3 art lesson on “my neighbourhood.” The teacher
begins by asking children to close their eyes and picture the walk from
home to school. They then draw what they remember: a banyan tree, a tea
stall, a speed breaker. Next, they choose colours and decide where to
place the main objects. Along the way the teacher asks, “Why did you put
the tree there?” and “What colour would the sky be at sunset?” At the
end, children share their work in a gallery walk, each saying one thing
they like about a classmate’s drawing.
In forty minutes, the children have practised memory, observation,
planning, communication, respect and fine motor skills. They have also
had fun. A similar story could be told about a music lesson that builds
a rhythm together, or a dance class that turns a folk story into
movement.
Arts and Cultural Identity
Bengaluru is home to families from across India and the world. Art,
music and dance are natural ways for children to appreciate this
variety. A school that celebrates festivals, folk traditions and
regional languages through the arts helps children feel proud of their
own backgrounds and curious about others. It also builds empathy, which
is the foundation of respectful communities.
Helping a Child Who Says
“I Cannot Draw”
Many children decide early that they are not artistic. Gently
challenge this belief by changing the goal. Instead of “draw a perfect
horse”, try “show me how a horse moves.” Praise the idea, the effort and
the details. Let them experiment with materials like clay, collage and
finger painting, where there is no “wrong.” Over time, confidence
returns, and with it the willingness to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are art, music and
dance compulsory at MSDGS?
The website lists them as part of its Beyond Academics programme. Ask
the school how they are scheduled for each grade.
Does the school
have art and performing spaces?
Yes. The Facilities pages mention performing and visual art labs.
Will arts reduce time for
academics?
When well planned, arts complement academics. They build skills that
support language, maths and focus.
My child is shy.
Will performing be forced?
A good school invites participation gently and offers many roles,
from backstage to lead. Discuss your child’s comfort with the
teacher.
See Creativity in Action
If creativity matters to your family, visit the art rooms and
performance spaces at M S Dhoni Global School. Call +91-7599507777 or
send an admission enquiry.
