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Do you have an iPod? Do you listen to the radio? Do you play an instrument? Chances are that the only question you said “no” to was the last one.
Although the United States sells the most digital music, music education itself has become increasingly scarce in schools throughout the states. Because the government views music as less important than other “core” subjects, music departments are often faced with budget cuts ($1.2 billion in the last year, to be specific). Block scheduling and decreased salaries for music teachers have added to the difficulty of maintaining music education. However, countless studies demonstrate the importance and benefits of music, especially in academic areas.
Students receiving a music education are more likely to stay in school, earn higher SAT scores, get higher grades and graduate from college.
That may seem far-fetched, but like puzzle pieces, the countless individual benefits of music come together to form a bigger picture. For example, playing an instrument aids in the development of the left side of the brain, which is responsible for processing language.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that schools with high quality music programs also have the highest English test scores. In addition, abstract reasoning skills, crucial for solving math problems, have been linked to music education. According to the College-Bound Senior Report, students with an education in music scored on average 43 points higher on the 2006 SAT Math than those without.
And test scores are only the tip of the iceberg. Music education also plays a crucial role in mental health and maturity. By simply playing in the school band, students can learn to work better with others, discipline and express themselves, and relieve stress.
“Band is a good release from other academics,” said Ramstein High School student Sydnie Reynolds, a flautist in the advanced band. “You get to use a
different part of your brain.”
Jeff Pellaton, the Ramstein High School band teacher, has instilled this high appreciation of music in many of his students.
“Data on the effects of a rigorous study of instrumental music as it relates to higher cognitive achievement, better test scores, higher levels of acceptance of college applications and a higher success rate at the next academic level are so overwhelmingly in support of such programs, I can’t imagine why every parent is not lined up to sign up and encourage their children to be involved,” he said. “All those attributes, being all the rage these days, say nothing of the additional virtues of the valuable development of a society that appreciates and understands the arts and has a soul.”
So why not pick up an instrument instead of an MP3 player?
