all information sourced from https://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/quick-facts
PROFICIENCY
- According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students involved in the music programs at their public schools scored 107 points higher on the SAT than those who are not involved in music.
- The U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students found that students who are consistently involved in playing a musical instrument between grades 6-12 show significantly higher levels of proficiency in math by their senior year of high school.
SKILLS OUTSIDE OF MUSIC
- Various research documents and reports state that involvement in music teaches kids life skills such as problem solving, decision making, self-confidence, discipline, imagination, responsibility, creativity, informed perception, and teamwork.
- According to a Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse study, high school students who participate in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances.
EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN
- Neurological research indicates that early music training dramatically enhances children’s abstract reasoning skills, suggesting that music specifically enhances higher brain functions needed for STEM subjects.
- A 2-year Swiss study showed that 1,200 students involved in the music programs in 50 different schools were highly proficient in languages and reading. The studies also showed that these students had an improved social climate, enjoyed school more than other students, and were less stressed than those not involved in the music program.
FUNDING THE ARTS
- Funding for arts programs has been an issue in public schools for many years, but now things are finally looking up! The National Assembly of States Arts Agencies states that total appropriations to state arts agencies are projected to increase by 24% between 2019-2020, totaling at $459.3 million. We hope to do our part in adding to this value in the music program in our community (https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/fy2020-state-arts-agency-legislative-appropriations-preview/)