“Whoever has skill in music is of good temperament and fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools.” ~ Martin Luther

“The Arts and Sciences, essential to the prosperity of the State and to the ornament of human life, have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and mankind.” ~ George Washington

“GE hires a lot of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add up a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.” ~ Clifford V. Smith, President of the General Electric Foundation

Teens Believe that music is an integral part of American life, and that music reflects American culture and society; there were 333 mentions of the skills that music education can provide access to, including the historical and cultural significance of music in civilizations and societies. ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School

“In the push for quality math, science, technical, humanities, and other programs, please be sure that the arts are not ignored or pushed to one side. Provide your political support for the total curriculum. The arts enrich all of us.” ~ Dr. Richard Miller, Executive Director American Association of School Administrators

Playing music “significantly” lowered the heart rates and calmed and regulated the blood pressures and respiration rates of patients who had undergone surgery. ~ Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Neb., and St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon, Wis.

“The arts significantly boost student achievement, reduce discipline problems, and increase the odds students will go on to graduate from college. As First Lady Michelle Obama sums up, both she and the President believe ‘strongly that arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow.’” ~ Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

Making music can help reduce job burnout and improve your mood, according to a study exposing 112 long-term care workers to six recreational music-making sessions of group drumming and keyboard accompaniment. ~ As published in “Advances in Mind-Body Medicine”

“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” ~ Gerald Ford, Former President of the United States

Three in five Americans (61%) said it [music education] provided a disciplined problem solving approach and 59% said it prepared people to manage tasks more successfully. ~ The Harris Poll®, July 2014

“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in schools, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.” ~ Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States

Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say music education provides people with a disciplined approach to solving problems. ~ The Harris Poll®, July 2014

First- graders who participated in special music classes as part of an arts study saw their reading skills and math proficiency increase dramatically. ~ Gardiner, M. F., Fox, A., Knowles, F., & Jeffrey, D. (1996). Learning improved by arts training. Nature, 381(6580), 284-284

Playing a musical instrument can reverse stress at the molecular level, according to studies conducted by Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Applied Biosystems ~ as published in Medical Science Monitor

“In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities….the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.” ~ Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft

“I must study politics and war, that my sons may study mathematics and philosophy…in order to give their children the right to study painting, poetry, music and architecture.” ~ John Q. Adams

“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.” ~ William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education

“The creative arts are the measure and reflection of our civilization. They offer many children an opportunity to see life with a larger perspective…The moral values we treasure are reflected in the beauty and truth that is emotionally transmitted through the arts. The arts say something about us to future generations.” ~ Ann P. Kahn, Former President of The National PTA

The skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace. ~ U.S. House of Representatives, Concurrent Resolution 355, March 6, 2006

Seven in ten Americans (71%) say that the learnings and habits from music education equips people to be better team players in their careers. ~ The Harris Poll®, July 2014