“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

“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