Music Education in Schools

In 2011, schools with music programs had a 90.2 percent graduation rate as opposed to schools without these advantages only having a 72.9 percent graduation rate. Funding issues have generated controversial debates about whether or not music programs should remain in schools. Although critics say that schools’ limited funds should be spent on improving on the quality of education, statistics have argued for the other side. Providing music education in schools prepares students for the workplace, causes higher attendance and graduation rates, and increases test scores.

Despite the benefits that music education provides, some ignorant people criticize music and say limited funding should be spent on academics or sports. They argue that, “The ability to paint a picture or dance will not aid in landing a job’(“Arts Education”). This is true, but the point of music education is not to provide all musical students with a job; it is to teach them valuable skills that can be used in the workplace. Roberta Guspari, a New York violin teacher, supports this idea. She says, “learning an instrument teaches you to study anything.” Other commentators say that in 2011, over 70 percent failed a national science test (“Arts Education”). They say that building art studios and buying new instruments are a waste of money that could be used for improving academic performance. These statements may also be true but by no fault of music education. How many of these students participated in music courses? The fall in academic scores should be credited to a lack of preparation by staff.

By providing students with the opportunities to pursue their musical interests, schools are creating environments that foster twenty-first century skills. These skills i...

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...eachers, thus giving them more of an opportunity to learn and grow. Also, the students are learning good study habits from the time they spend practicing. Studying music also helps with college entrance exams. The American Music Conference says that students who study music score 100 points better on the SAT (Calder). this again is pointing out the benefits of music programs in schools. Scoring 100 points better in a college entrance exam could be the deciding factor of what school accepts you and what school does not. Those 100 points could potentially determine your future. Wouldn’t you want the best opportunities for yourself? Doesn’t it make sense to give the future generations the easiest road to success? the obvious answers are yes, we would want to make our world a brighter place by giving student ample opportunities to succeed and make their futures better.