Why Music Education Matters in Middle and High School

Introduction: Music Education Under Threat

The quality of education for American students is a major concern for parents, educators, and politicians. Initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act were put into place in an attempt to satisfy the nation's desire to believe that children will leave school with the experience and knowledge they need to succeed in life and to improve the world. Unfortunately, policies such as this do not actually take the full needs of students into account. Placing a high priority on standardized test scores has deprived many schools of the ability to provide a well-rounded, in-depth education, because all resources — time and money alike — must go toward curriculum that matches the superficial content of these tests.

Even though music is designated as a core academic subject by the No Child Left Behind Act, many schools are still forced to cut "nonessential" programs that do not contribute to raising standardized test scores. The arts are among the first programs cut in most strained districts. This creates a void in children's education, because the arts are just as important as reading, writing, history, and math to the development of healthy, critical-thinking, capable students. Music programs are especially vital, yet many junior high and high schools are minimizing the availability of music classes.

According to the philosopher Socrates, "Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace, and making the soul of him who is rightly educated graceful, or of him who is ill-educated ungraceful." (Plato) Music classes are an essential part of the educational experience because they help children become successful in school, in society, and in life.

Academic Benefits of Music Participation

The benefits of having music programs in school are widespread and extremely apparent to students, parents, and teachers. The skills learned through the study of music directly translate into skills needed for success in other academic areas, including communication, cognitive ability, and discipline. Students learn to work as a team when participating in a band, orchestra, choir, or ensemble, and this helps them relate to one another rather than resorting to violence, gangs, or other negative behavior.

Many research studies have proven what musicians and philosophers have known for ages: music applies to all areas of study. One study performed by UCLA found that regardless of other factors, students who consistently played an instrument through the middle school and high school grades achieved "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12." (Catterall, Chapleau, and Iwanaga) Students involved in music also score higher on their SATs in every subject area, exhibit significantly less disruptive behavior, receive more academic honors, and have higher self-esteem.

Music education even prepares students for higher academic achievement in college, regardless of the field they choose. More students who major in music as undergraduates are admitted to medical school than students who major in any other subject — sixty-six percent of music majors who apply to medical school are admitted, compared with only forty-four percent of biochemistry majors. (Thomas)

Music, Life Success, and Society

A good educational experience is the foundation for overall success in life, and participation in music greatly enhances that foundation. Students who participate in music are less likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs. Colleges look for music participation on applications because it is recognized as a valuable lifelong learning experience that broadens people's understanding of the world and society. (U.S. Department of Education) Students who participate in music are also more likely to pursue the in-demand jobs of the twenty-first century; the best engineers and technical designers are almost always musicians (Venerable), and music helps prepare students to perform in many lines of work and to develop the skills those positions require. Musical students are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, hold well-paying jobs, and even own their own homes.

The arts benefit society overall by creating jobs, boosting the economy, and providing entertainment that contributes to well-being and productivity. According to a leading heart surgeon: "Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. An association of music and math has, in fact, long been noted. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. In medicine, increasing published reports demonstrate that music has a healing effect on patients. For all these reasons, it deserves strong support in our educational system, along with the other arts, the sciences, and athletics." (DeBakey) Music teaches communication, diversity, and important life skills.

Conclusion: Restoring Music to the Core Curriculum

Participation in music classes and other music activities helps students find success in junior high and high school, as well as boosting brain activity and the development of intelligence. Students who study music are more productive members of society, and they will achieve higher personal success than those who did not participate in music studies. Unfortunately, narrow-visioned school administrators, school board members, and politicians do not often enough recognize the vital role that music classes and programs play in the health, happiness, and success of all students.

Strained budgets and attempts to focus on educational "basics" have minimized or eliminated music programs in many schools, and students who do not have access to music education are at a serious disadvantage for the rest of their educational career and in their lives beyond high school. It is vital that music education be incorporated into the overall curriculum of every junior high and high school, for the benefit of children and the future of our society.