The cognitive structures developed through music instruction “exposed and illuminated more general organizing structures relevant for multiple disciplines. ~ Portowitz,P., Lichtenstein, O., Egorova, L., & Brand, E. (2009). Underlying mechanisms linking music education and cognitive modifiability. Research Studies in Music Education, 31, 107–29
Teens feel that playing music teaches self discipline. ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
A 2013 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that adolescent-centered studies show that even very basic rhythm abilities, such as tapping to a beat, relate with reading skills. ~ White-Schwoch, T., Woodruff Carr, Anderson, S., Strait, D.L., Kraus, N. (2013), “Older adults benefit from music training early in life: Biological evidence for long-term training-driven plasticity,” The Journal of Neuroscience
Teens look at music as an opportunity in school for engagement as performers, composers and intelligent listeners—activities and qualities that appear to be deeply meaningful to them ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
A study published in 2010 found that regular music making strengthens nonmusical brain functions. ~ Kraus N., Chandrasekaran B. (2010), “Music training for the development of auditory skills.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Four out of five Americans (80%) believe their music education has contributed to their level of personal fulfillment. ~ The Harris Poll®, July 2014
“Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it’s essential to being human.” ~ Jewel, Singer, Songwriter, and Instrumentalist
“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.” ~ President Barack Obama
“An elementary school that treats the arts as the province of a few gifted children, or views them only as recreation and entertainment, is a school that needs an infusion of soul. That arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic.” ~ William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education
Teens believe that playing music diminishes boundaries between people of different ethnic backgrounds, age groups and social interests. ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
A few years of musical training early in life improves how the brain processes sound, and the benefits of early exposure to music education last well into adulthood, years after the training has ceased. ~ Strait, D.L., Kraus N., (2014), “Biological impact of auditory expertise across the life span: musicians as a model of auditory learning,” Hearing Research
“Art is fundamental, unique to each of us…Even in difficult economic times – especially in difficult economic times – the arts are essential.” ~ Maria Shriver, Award-Winning Journalist and Author
“Arts education aids students in skills needed in the workplace: flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate, the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence.” ~ Joseph M. Calahan, Director of Cooperate Communications, Xerox Corporation
“The arts are central to who we are as a people, and they are central to the success of our kids. This is not an afterthought. This is not something you do because it’s nice to do. It is necessary for these young people to succeed that we promote the arts.” ~ President Barack Obama
Children from “arts-rich” public schools score higher on expression, risk-taking, creativity-imagination, cooperative learning, and academic self-concept than children in “arts poor” systems. ~ “Learning In and Through the Arts: The Question of Transfer,” Judith M. Burton, Robert Horowitz, and Hal Abeles, Studies in Art Education, 2000, 41(3): 228-257
Teens believe music helps adolescents release or control emotions and helps coping with difficult situations such as peer pressure, substance abuse, pressures of study and family, the dynamics of friendships and social life, and the pain of loss or abuse. ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
Schools that have music programs have significantly higher attendance rates than do those without programs (93.3 percent as compared to 84.9 percent). ~ Harris Interactive Inc. (2006). Understanding the Linkages Between Music Education and Educational Outcomes
“The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature, and help to shape our identity. What is there that can transcend deep difference and stubborn divisions? The arts. They have a wonderful universality. Art has the potential to unify. It can speak in many languages without a translator. The arts do not discriminate. The arts can lift us up.” ~ Former Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
A study examined the influence of music education on nonmusical abilities, the effects of music lessons on academic performance, and cognitive abilities. The study revealed that students who participated in music lessons showed statistically higher intelligence quotients. ~ Glenn Schellenberg, Music Lessons Enhance IQ, Psychological Science, Vol. 15, No. 8, 2004
“Playing music reduces stress and has been shown to reverse the body’s response to stress at the DNA-level.” ~ Dr. Barry Bittman
