The Importance Of Music In Public Schools

For years, music classes have been the ugly ducklings of school curriculums, the last courses to be added, the first courses to be cut. They have always taken second place to traditional academic classes. Music, however, has proved itself to be extremely beneficial time and time again, from the undeniable improvement in grades regarding traditional academic classes to the glowing remarks from music students everywhere. In an ever-changing world, the addition of music education in schools needs to be next on the academic agenda. Music education should be a required component in all schools due to the proven academic, social, and personal benefits that it provides.

Elementary schools and high schools across the U.S. have lately suffered from financial strain. Because of this, budget cuts have to be made and music programs often suffer before sports and academics. Although some people believe that music is not a key component in preparing for employment and higher education, yet several others express otherwise, who say music has been shown to stimulate other parts of a student’s mind that can help them excel. Statistics have shown that the correlation between music class and other academia is not only positive for students, but also can improve future scholastic abilities, and thus should not be cut from schools. Through the evaluation of various sources

Web. 21 Feb. 2016. This article’s author argues that it is important for music classes to remain available to children in school due to their mental benefits. The author explains that many school boards tirelessly attempt to eliminate music programs, however, there is abundant evidence that supports keeping the programs since learning music can dramatically improve children’s ability to read and comprehend math. The author backs their argument with a plethora of statistics from various sources showing the sharp contrast between the scores of music and non-music students. This article adds to the proof that education can be aided by a student’s understanding of

The Knowledge of reading music, and playing an instrument has proven to be beneficial to the learning curb in students including those of little to no background in a literary education to students in college. However, there are schools in America where music isn’t offered. Having a music program could create improved grades, memory, concentration, and quicken the learning process of literacy, but it is believed that music isn’t for everybody.

This article, posted first on The Music Parents Guide, is also available on the NAFME website and was written by Tony Mazzocchi. The article begins with a reference to the recent inclusion of music as a part of core education, considered a progressive step by many in the music education community. However, Tony warns that despite this legal change, schools will need to be convinced to make real changes in supporting their music programs as an equal part of the students’ education. To this end, three reasons are provided for why schools need music today:

As a young boy, Bill Clinton loved everything about his music class in school. Clinton was in the school band and he played the tenor saxophone; it was his favorite pass time. His hard work paid off when he became one of the best saxophone players in his school and won first chair in the state band's saxophone section. Frightened of the future, Clinton used his musical talent to earn multiple academic and musical scholarships for college. Later in his life, Clinton ran for president and became the 42nd President of the United States ("It All Began in a Place Called Hope”). Clinton shows his support for the arts when he states, “I do not think I would have become President if it were not for my school music program” (qtd. in Wise 1). Art and music in public schools are usually funded by the government; however, not everyone agrees that these programs should be funded by the government. There are two main sides to the

Music education allows students to have a holistic educational experience. In a recent bill, the U.S. Senate added music to a list of "core academic subjects". Core subjects, including math and science, are the basic courses that the government requires in schools. Through this designation, the Senators give "a statement

Over 5 million students across our nation are enrolled in a public or private school. (Digest) Just over 2 million of them are involved in some sort of music activity. Many of the activities belong to music programs that are being thrown away and destroyed because of an insufficient amount of funds. (Gorman) Schools across the country are becoming the helpless victims to budget cuts, with music programs taking the biggest hit. Because of the shrinking budgets, school districts around the nation are being forced to drastically decrease the amount of support/funds for their music programs, or to completely cut them out of the district. (Bryant) Along with the increased amount of money that goes to other programs, there is an increase in the amount

Music education should be taught in all schools. A quality music education program offers a variety of positive influences on children of all ages (President’s Committee on Arts and the Humanities). Studies have shown that playing an instrument activates all areas of the brain, which can increase test scores and even focus throughout the day. Student’s participation in music education programs offer a more positive social circle. Students may also have opportunities to travel, perform in a variety of venues, and have more opportunities for scholarships. There are many positive reasons for having a music program in all schools. Some people would argue that a quality musical education is expensive. There are also some that would argue that music

Music classes, including choir, band and more never filling the halls with sound. Creative classes like journalism and creative writing, will now be prohibiting our freedom of speech. All these classes are the ones many find the most fun. These classes in particular are the ones being cut from schools. So many people think these programs are unnecessary, even though they help so many kids with their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as so much more. Yes, these programs can be costly at times, but many get donations and do their own fundraising. Though these programs can be costly, the benefits to these young adults taking these classes cannot be compared. “Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance,” (11 Facts About Arts in Education). The influence of music and arts throughout individuals’ lives has been proven to academically expand their

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.

Music should be in schools because music classes help students all around, in school, life, and development. Music is all around this world. It differs cultures, but it also connects them. Music is its own language. Even if you are not from that culture, you can understand the purpose that, that music stands for and means.

Music programs are not in all schools. (What percentages of schools have music programs?) Music can help students in so many aspects of life, but schools aren’t investing in the music program. (How much on average is a music program cost?) All high schools need to have elective music programs in order to see benefit their grade averages, to create career preparation, to build teamwork skills, and to boost student participation in school.

High school is a time in a student’s life where they can truly find themselves and express themselves however they choose to. Some students showcase their talents through athletics, academics, and the arts. With music programs offered in schools, it gives each student an equal opportunity to express themselves in a way that athletics and academics may not. If music wasn't offered to students, they may never find their true potential. For instance, some students may want to pursue a career in the arts, but wouldn't know because they never had the experience. Music and art programs at schools gives students that opportunity to

Although many, one positive way music education is beneficial to students is that it has a large impact on brain stem growth. With the incorporation of music in a student’s daily life, the brain stem’s responses become more robust (Brown). Therefore, the amount of brain stem growth correlates with recent musical training. As stated by Brown, an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore, “student’s that are involved with a large amount of music will see more gains in brain stem growth”. Furthermore, the neural changes that occur in students as adolescents stay with them into adulthood (“Music Matters”). This allows students to be more prepared once they go into the workforce as adults. Along with the brain stem’s responses being more robust, it’s sensitivity to sound increases (“The Benefits” 1). This is abundantly evident from early on, as mother’s sing to their infants to facilitate brain stimulation and development. Enrichment through music, starting at a young age, seems to improve individuals speech sound development and use of more advanced vocabulary. Adolescents’ language also improves with the use of music in a student’s academics (Miller 46). Luehrisen