Music

The Benefits of Music Education

In these tough economic times, many parents are struggling to provide necessities for their children, much less any extra-curricular activities. While the arts may be considered a luxury, many benefits can be achieved through their study. Below are 10 reasons kids benefit from music instruction, from the Elementary Classroom Teacher Resource Index.

1) In a 1997 study of elementary students enrolled in an arts-based program, it was concluded that there was a definite correlation between students' rising math test scores and the length of time invested in arts education classes.

Arts Exposure and Class Performance," Phi Delta Kappan, October, 1998.

2) A study published in 2000 revealed that music students possessing the ability to perform complex rhythms also are able to make faster and more accurate corrections in many academic and physical circumstances.

Center for Timing, Coordination, and Motor Skills, 2000.

3) A ten-year study indicates that students who study music achieve higher test scores regardless of socioeconomic background.

Dr. James Catterall, UCLA.

4) In a study measuring the effects of general music instruction, first grade students receiving daily music instruction scored higher on creativity tests than the control group receiving no music instruction.

K.L. Wolff, The Effects of General Music Education on the Academic Achievement, Perceptual-Motor Development, Creative Thinking, and School Attendance of First-Grade Children, 1992.

5) In a study to research the influence music teachers have on African-American students, it was discovered that thirty-six percent of surveyed minority students regarded music teachers as their role models compared to twenty-eight percent for English teachers, eleven percent for elementary teachers, and seven percent for physical education teachers.

"Music Teachers as Role Models for African-American Students," Journal of Research in Music Education, 1993.

6) In 1991, a study was conducted to measure what effect music study had on student perception of personal achievement. Students educated with arts-focused curriculums reported significantly better perceptions about their academic abilities than students enrolled in a non-arts focused curriculum.

Pamela Aschbacher and Joan Herman, The Humanitas Program Evaluation, 1991.

7) In a study measuring the effects of music study on reading skill development, one group of elementary students was given musical training while the other group received training in discussion skills. After six months, the students receiving music instruction achieved a significant increase in reading test scores while the discussion skills group showed no change.

Sheila Douglas and Peter Willatts, Journal of Research in Reading, 1994.

8) Students who possess rhythmical skills have a tendency to plan, sequence, and coordinate actions better in their personal lives.

"Cassily Column," TCAMS Professional Resource Center, 2000.

9) In 1999, Columbia University conducted a study measuring the effect of music study on student behavior. Students enrolled in arts-based classes were found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident, and better able to express their ideas no matter what their socioeconomic level.

The Arts Education Partnership, 1999.

10) In a study published in Newsweek magazine, researchers indicated that during the early developmental years children's brain neurons are being "wired". This provides a window of opportunity which must not be missed if children are to achieve their full potential. "Circuits in different regions of the brain mature at different times. As a result, different circuits are most sensitive to life's experiences at different ages. Give your children the experiences they need when they need it and anything's possible. Stumble and all bets are off."

Newsweek Magazine