“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” ~ Plato
“Teens associate playing music with music literacy, listening skills, motor ability, eye-hand coordination and heightened intellectual capabilities.” ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
According to a German Institute for Economic Research study, teens who take music lessons outside of school score significantly higher in terms of cognitive skills, have better grades, and are more conscientious and ambitious than their peers. ~ Hille, Al, Schupp, J., (2013), “How Learning a Musical Instrument Affects the Development of Skills,” SOEPpapers: The German Socio-Economic Panel at DIW Berlin
“Teens indicate making music provides the freedom for teens to just be themselves; to be different; to be something they thought they could never be; to be comfortable and relaxed in school and elsewhere in their lives.” ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
Researchers have demonstrated a strong relationship between individuals who participated in school arts experiences and higher academic success as demonstrated by grade point averages, scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and math and verbal portions of the SAT exam. ~ Kelly, S. N. (2012). Fine Arts-Related Instruction’s Influence on Academic Success
“Art is a nation’s most precious heritage. For it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves and to others the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish.” ~ Lyndon Johnson, on signing into existence the National Endowment for the Arts
“The rapidly evolving global economy demands a dynamic and creative workforce. The arts and its related businesses are responsible for billions of dollars in cultural exports for this country. It is imperative that we continue to support the arts and arts education both on the national and local levels. The strength of every democracy is measured by its commitment to the arts.” ~ Charles Segars, CEO of Ovation
Teens Described their music teachers as encouraging, motivating and acting as both role models and friends that can be trusted for listening and giving advice. ~ Shehan Campbell, Patricia. Adolescents’ Expressed Meanings of Music In and Out of School
On the SAT, students who participated in music scored an average of 31 points above average in reading, 23 points above average in math, and 31 points above average in writing. ~ College Board SAT, 2012 College-Bound Seniors: Total Group Profile Report. (See table 18.)
Two-thirds (66%) of Americans say that music education prepares someone to manage the tasks of their job more successfully. ~ The Harris Poll®, July 2014
With music in schools, students connect to each other better— greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm. ~ Jensen, E., Arts With the Brain In Mind, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001
“A broad education in the arts helps give children a better understanding of their world…We need students who are culturally literate as well as math and science literate.” ~ Paul Ostergard, Vice President, Citicorp
Students in high-quality school music programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the school or school district. ~ Johnson, C. M. & Memmott, J. E. (2007). Examination of relationships between participation in school music programs of differing quality and standardized test results. Journal of Research in Music Education, 54(4), 293-307
The vast majority —96 percent—of the school principals interviewed in a recent study agree that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school. Further, 89 percent of principals feel that a high-quality music education program contributes to their school achieving higher graduation rates. ~ Harris Interactive Poll, 2006
Top 10 Ways Band Prepares Me For Life #10 – Time Management – Nothing forces you to use your time wisely like a director saying “you have 5 minutes to memorize these measures.” #9 – Punctuality – “Band Time” teaches you if you’re early you’re on-time, if you’re on-time you’re late. #8 – Listening Skills – This skill is heightened at a football stadium full of noisy spectators and the director just made an important announcement. #7 – Money Management – Because you can’t always afford to buy that tuba mute you’ve always wanted! #6 – Flexibility – You might play the section presto today and tomorrow the tempo is changed to largo. #5 – Be loud and proud – Band class is the ONE class I am encouraged, even expected, to be LOUD! #4 – The early bird gets the worm – Starting band practice at 6:45am helps you get a lot of worms! #3 – Practice, Practice, Practice – Awards are earned at practice every morning. You simply pick them up at contests. #2 – Keep the big picture in mind – As we work on a marching show, each movement fits together like a puzzle piece to
Students indicate that arts participation motivates them to stay in school, and that the arts create a supportive environment that promotes constructive acceptance of criticism and one in which it is safe to take risks. ~ (Source: Barry N., Taylor K., and K. Walls Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, AEP, 2002)
