Budget Cuts are Destroying Music Education: Music Programs are Essential to Education

Many schools around the country are cutting their music program because of budget cuts in their counties. The arts for some reason are always the first to be cut; apparently the school doesn’t think they are essential to their students learning. Schools try to focus on the more important academic classes because of the high testing standards they must now meet. (Nesoff 2003) This is not just happening in poor school districts it is happening in large districts across the country including magnet schools for the arts: “When Albert Margolis and his wife attended the final music program for their son's kindergarten class in May, they were shocked when a teacher stood up after the performance and

Across the United States many elementary school music classrooms are filled with simple and popular tunes such as Hot Cross Buns and The Ode to Joy, played on the recorder, while high school students may be playing collegiate or professional pieces of music such as Armenian Dances and Carmen Suites. I have been very fortunate to have gone on the journey of progressing through different music education programs within Fairfax County Public Schools. If I was never exposed to music while in elementary school I might not have ever found one of my greatest passions or been able to create such fond and unforgettable memories. While music education programs across the country appear large and strong, many schools are beginning to experience budget reductions. As a result, music is often the very first component of a school 's curriculum or programs to be cut or significantly reduced, but I believe this is not the right course of action. It is important to preserve and promote music education in public schools because of the proven cognitive, character,and academic benefits for students.

Much too often in America today, modern music and art programs in schools are perceived to many as extracurricular activities rather than important subjects that are vital to a students learning and skill development. The truth of the matter is that encouraging music and art education in public schools has a much larger impact on student’s grades, academic performance, and the economy than the majority people realize. Within the next year city school budgets will be dropping by twenty five percent, and despite the fact that music and art programs have been showing a dramatic contribution to student’s learning, this substantial drop in funding for the programs will lead to no dedicated money for art or music programs (Mezzacappa). There is

It is understood why this has been stressed against music in schools. However, it is faulty. Other beliefs are that it does more harm than good because “it affects grades negatively”. In the words of John McDaniel, “They claim that students will spend too much time on practicing, trips and performances, which will affect

Many factors take part in the elimination of music education courses in public schools, but the main one is budget cuts. In the New York Times article “School Arts Programs Survive Budget Woes”, Javier Hernandez reports, “Three-quarters of principals said that funding remains a major challenge in their ability to maintain lively arts programs,” (Hernandez 2). Without the means to pay for music programs, school officials face the dilemma of whether or not to cancel music education in schools.

Music education has consistently been at the bottom of the educational priority ladder. With minimal prospects and intense competition for a successful career, music classes have been eclipsed in student interest and funding by courses related to the more lucrative STEM careers. Although music education creates a hefty burden for the school board, the numerous personal benefits warrant music opportunities for all students.

Despite arguments about the racial prejudice associated with music, it’s high cost, and distractible nature, it is still critical to supply students in all schools with fine arts and especially music education. As recent research supports, music in schools has significant benefits to communities and the world because it prepares school children for tomorrow's work world, brings energy into communities, and educates everyone about different cultures. Also, music education in schools can improve a school’s environment, decrease bullying, and improve graduation rates. Finally, music in schools benefits students, most importantly, because it improves their social life, helps their brains develop important skills, and improves test scores. But most importantly, music is fun for many students, and people everywhere, and helps them express themselves. This is why music needs to be supported by everyone, but most importantly, schools, communities, and this country. The world cannot lose sight of the arts, even in the midst of budget cuts, politics, and our fact based, analytical world. So, to end on a “high note”, even though it may seem like music education only leads to “treble”, research shows it should not be “scaled” back. The world without music would “be

Three fifths of the United States have made cuts to their music programs. Studies have shown that schools with good music education programs help students perform better on standardized tests. Many famous businessmen and woman also attribute their success to their musical background. Therefore schools should have strong music education programs so their students develop necessary skills for their careers, communicate better with others, and score higher on tests.

Music programs should not be cut from school curriculum because students in music classes tend to be smarter, it gives them a sense of accomplishment, and they can develop new friendships as well as a social life. Music actually helps students develop skills that they wouldn’t normally have. It challenges their literacy and mathematical skills on multiple levels. More than just helping people develop skills, it helps people’s mental wellness. It has been a part of human history for thousands of years. There is real evidence that goes along with these arguments.

There are copious amounts of schools across the U.S who have dropped their music programs because of funding and academic issues. School districts that are losing funding find themselves desperately searching for alternatives to save money. (Bryant) They discover that the easiest and possibly best area to cut funding in is music because of the enormous amount of money that goes into the program for various essentials. The additional funds that aren’t being spent on instrument repairs or sheet music will be spent on areas that school districts believe require more monetary attention, such as mathematics and reading. (Fang) The idea at play is that cutting the music program will kill two birds with one stone. Other departments in the school that need more funding will gain

Due to the declining economy, school boards around the country have decided to cut funding to the music education programs. It is necessary to keep music education in the American school system because it enhances the development of skills that children will use for the rest of their lives.

Over 2.1 million children around the country do not have access to a music education program (Pellegrinelli 2). These students that are not introduced to music education could be able to learn and understand mathematics and reading skills much more efficiently by simply introducing music into their lives (Taylor 2). When involved in music, anxiety and depression levels could decrease as well (“Landmark 1). Music is not required in all schools, and students could benefit from more music education (Braun 1). Even though many students dislike music and think it is too hard, schools should be obliged to require music classes through grade school because students that are actively involved in music gain many

Today, many schools focus on preparing their students for their lives beyond the classrooms. They do so by focusing their limited resources on programs that they deem necessary for a proper education. Furthermore, when schools make cut backs, music programs are one of the first to be terminated. Ironically, music embodies many of the subjects that are not eliminated: mathematics, history, science, reading, etc. Music requires self-discipline, accountability, and teamwork: traits that most employers seek in young applicants. Students should participate in music programs because they foster cognitive development, inspire teamwork, and encourage students to adapt a solid work ethic.

Music has always been an incredibly important part of human history, yet is being cut by school district after school district in the modern age. Upward to 80 percent of schools nationwide have cut music programs since 2008. This is due in part to programs like No Child Left Behind and Common Core that have the arts take a back seat to math and science. Music is an intellectually stimulating activity that requires years to master and certain schools have stopped providing the resources that make music proficiency possible for hundreds of thousands of students. Why is it that holding a ball is appraised higher than holding a clarinet? Why is an art form finely crafted over centuries of diligent work the first program to be cut in schools? This

Whether the children who are involved in the music program grow up to become a parent or continue their interest and turn it into a career. Seeing how music affects children, positively and negatively, allows adults to see the best solution for lacking music programs. Although you must ask, Is the lack of music programs a good thing? Avoiding the negative experience, such as the children’s experience in London, in paragraph 4, allows educators to understand the view that maybe the music program is the issue, as well as our own teaching methods or skill levels. Having music programs obviously expands a child’s abilities in other cases, such as the children in juvenile centers, but what is the solution? Should music programs be important, or do they not matter? As most parents agree a child’s interests are important, as well as being able to explore and find themselves. Music programs allow students to explore a new side, that not only fulfills their interest, but develops social skills. As parents raise their children supporting their interests and future, educators in music help push along the skills each child is developing. Whether the government provides “arts-rich” music programs in a school determines how much these children can explore music, while staying busy instead of in