“I would say that music is the easiest means in which to express, but since words are my talent, I must try to express clumsily in words what the pure music would have done better.” ~ William Faulkner
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
Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education. ~ Arte Music Academy. “Statistical benefits of music in education.” Statistical-Benefits-Of-Music-In-Education. Accessed July 17, 2014.
A Columbia University study revealed that students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident and better able to express their ideas. ~ Burton, J., Horowitz, R., Abeles, H. Champions of Change, Arts Education Partnership, 1999
“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
A study at the University of California at Irvine demonstrated that young kids who participated in music instruction showed dramatic enhancements in abstract reasoning skills. In fact, researchers have found neural firing patterns that suggest that music may hold the key to higher brain function. ~ Rauscher, Shaw, Levine, Ky and Wright, “Music and Spatial Task Performance: A Causal Relationship,” University of California, Irvine, 1994
“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
“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
Music and math are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. ~ Lynn Kleiner, founder of Music Rhapsody in Redondo Beach, CA
Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say music education provides people with a disciplined approach to solving problems. ~ July 2014 Harris Poll
Music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving, and flexibility in work situations. ~ July 2014 Harris Poll
“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
“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.” ~ Barack Obama, Former President of the United States
freedom-to-be “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
“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
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
“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
“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 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
“Students of all ages – that includes adults – generally find that music helps them focus more clearly on the task at hand and puts them in a better mood for learning.” ~ Chris Brewer, founder of LifeSounds Educational Services, quoted in “Boost Memory and Learning with Music,” pbs.org, Cheri Lucas.
