Music education offers a range of benefits that can be grouped into four main categories:
- Success in society
- Success in school
- Success in developing intelligence
- Success in life
Benefit One: Success in Society
One of the most fundamental reasons for including music education in every child’s life is that music plays a vital role in our society. Across cultures, music is used to express ideas and ideals, and it’s an integral part of the fabric of human culture. In addition to its cultural importance, music also holds significant economic value and plays a key role in shaping individual abilities and character. Several sources support this:
- The U.S. Department of Education recommends arts education for college-bound students, noting that participation in music broadens students’ understanding of the world and contributes to intellectual development. In fact, one year of Visual and Performing Arts is recommended for high school students preparing for college.
- The College Board includes the arts as one of six core academic subjects essential for success in college.
- The arts contribute significantly to the economy by creating jobs, increasing local tax revenue, and improving the quality of life in communities. Nonprofit arts organizations generate approximately $37 billion in economic activity annually, with $3.4 billion returned to the U.S. Treasury in federal taxes.
- Many top engineers and technical designers, especially in Silicon Valley, are also practicing musicians, underscoring the connection between music and innovation.
Benefit Two: Success in School
Success in society is often built on a strong academic foundation, and music education plays a key role in this. Music teachers and parents frequently share stories about how music study improves students’ academic skills, including study habits, communication, and cognitive abilities. Music education, especially participation in ensembles, teaches students discipline and teamwork, helping them navigate the school environment effectively and avoid negative behaviors.
Research supports these claims:
- A study involving second-grade children showed that piano training, combined with math software, resulted in a 27% improvement in math skills related to proportional math and fractions.
- Data from over 25,000 secondary school students revealed that those who participated in instrumental music during middle and high school achieved significantly higher math proficiency by the 12th grade, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
- Students involved in music scored higher on the SAT, with music performance students scoring 57 points higher on the verbal section and 41 points higher on math. Music appreciation students scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math.
- Students classified as “disruptive” were less likely to be involved in music classes. Music participants also had higher GPAs compared to non-participants.
- Music education was found to improve self-esteem and academic performance, especially in studies involving piano instruction over several years.
Benefit Three: Success in Developing Intelligence
Music education is not only linked to academic success but also to intellectual development. A growing body of research shows that music instruction enhances children’s cognitive abilities and even contributes to brain development.
- A study found that music training enhances abstract reasoning skills, which are necessary for learning math and science, more effectively than computer instruction.
- Students in music programs showed marked improvements in reading and math, particularly those who initially struggled. Over time, students in enriched music programs outperformed control groups.
- Brain imaging studies reveal that playing music activates regions in all four lobes of the brain and parts of the cerebellum, showing how music engages the brain in unique ways.
- A study by McGill University demonstrated that students who received piano instruction improved significantly in pattern recognition, mental representation, and self-esteem.
Benefit Four: Success in Life
Music education offers lifelong benefits, enriching individuals beyond academic and career success. It fosters psychological, emotional, and even physical well-being.
- Ted Turner highlighted music’s ability to bring people together, emphasizing its importance in fostering human connection.
- Daniel A. Carp, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak, explained that music helps young people connect with themselves and with others, exposing them to the diversity and richness of human culture.
- Business executives agree that arts education can help improve the American education system and better prepare future workers.
- Research shows that music-making can improve the health of elderly individuals, reducing anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It also stimulates the immune system and increases human growth hormones, which are linked to better health.
- Former President Gerald Ford emphasized that music education is essential for preparing children for life beyond school, helping them transition into the world of work, culture, and intellectual pursuits.
- General Norman Schwarzkopf shared how music provided him with peace during challenging times, and how his music education began in elementary school. He underscored the importance of ensuring that future generations receive music education.
Conclusion
Music education is a powerful tool that offers numerous benefits across various areas of life. From academic success and cognitive development to societal and emotional well-being, the impact of music extends far beyond the classroom. By encouraging participation in music programs like band, we provide children with the tools they need to thrive in school, society, and life at large.
