Why MACB Advocates for Music Education in Public Schools
“The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study the violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception.” ~ Albert Einstein
“The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study the violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception.” ~ Albert Einstein
Research has shown that music plays a vital role helping students develop academically and socially. Below is a summary of just a few of the benefits children can get from having music as a part of their education.
Educational Benefits
Cognitive Benefits
Social Benefits
Check out this Music Advocacy Presentation and read a list of Famous People Who Played or Play a Musical Instrument.
All of the above educational, cognitive, and social benefits achieved through music education are essential to a healthy society, and that is why the U.S. government recognizes the importance of music education through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Educational Benefits
- Regardless of socioeconomic status, students who participate in high-quality music programs score higher on reading and spelling tests.
- Schools that have music programs have an attendance rate of 93.3% compared to 84.9% in schools without music programs.
- The arts (theater, dance, music, etc.) are one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study to succeed in college, according to the College Board.
Cognitive Benefits
- Young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory over the course of a year, compared with those without musical training.
- Certain instruments, such as percussion, help children develop coordination and motor skills.
Social Benefits
- Music opens up awareness of differences and recognition of similar universal themes and experiences among people.
- Children in music-based activities can advance empathy, which increases a child’s ability to consider the emotions of others.
- Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.
Check out this Music Advocacy Presentation and read a list of Famous People Who Played or Play a Musical Instrument.
All of the above educational, cognitive, and social benefits achieved through music education are essential to a healthy society, and that is why the U.S. government recognizes the importance of music education through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
What is ESSA?
ESSA was signed into law in 2015. It focuses predominantly on ensuring all students receive access to a well-rounded education, which includes music. Passage of ESSA was a breakthrough for music education.
”Well-rounded education” means courses, activities, and programming in English, reading, language arts, writing, engineering, mathematics, computer science, music, career and technical education, health, physical education, and any other subject, as determined by the state or local educational agency, with the purpose of providing all students access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience.
This is the first time in the 50-year history of government educational programs that music is listed separately. All subjects listed under the definition of “well-rounded education” are entitled to funding under ESSA. Schools can use federal money to address any deficiencies they have in the subject areas defined as part of a well-rounded education.
Title I of ESSA focuses on improving basic programs. This means that Title I funds can be used to supplement state and local support for a well-rounded education. Schools with fewer resources can now improve their ability to use supplemental funding for curricula— including music—outside of the “core subjects.”
Other areas of funding include Title IV grants, which support student academic enrichment by supplementing programs for well-rounded educational opportunities, such as after-school programs that include music. Local education agencies must assess whether they are providing well-rounded educational opportunities and develop a plan to address areas needing support.
However, just because ESSA presents greater opportunities for music education does not mean it is going to happen automatically. That is why MACB emphasizes the need for music educators, parents, and other arts advocates to take advantage of this opportunity and strongly push for inclusion of music education in their state ESSA plans. We encourage you to:
”Well-rounded education” means courses, activities, and programming in English, reading, language arts, writing, engineering, mathematics, computer science, music, career and technical education, health, physical education, and any other subject, as determined by the state or local educational agency, with the purpose of providing all students access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience.
This is the first time in the 50-year history of government educational programs that music is listed separately. All subjects listed under the definition of “well-rounded education” are entitled to funding under ESSA. Schools can use federal money to address any deficiencies they have in the subject areas defined as part of a well-rounded education.
Title I of ESSA focuses on improving basic programs. This means that Title I funds can be used to supplement state and local support for a well-rounded education. Schools with fewer resources can now improve their ability to use supplemental funding for curricula— including music—outside of the “core subjects.”
Other areas of funding include Title IV grants, which support student academic enrichment by supplementing programs for well-rounded educational opportunities, such as after-school programs that include music. Local education agencies must assess whether they are providing well-rounded educational opportunities and develop a plan to address areas needing support.
However, just because ESSA presents greater opportunities for music education does not mean it is going to happen automatically. That is why MACB emphasizes the need for music educators, parents, and other arts advocates to take advantage of this opportunity and strongly push for inclusion of music education in their state ESSA plans. We encourage you to:
- Download a free parents brochure about how you can help improve music programs in your child’s school
- Read a brief music teacher’s guide to ESSA
The Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band is an adult band, but selected high school students are allowed to participate. Music teachers and band directors may recommend a student for the MACB Student Participation Program. More information and a recommendation form are in the document below.
| spp_nomination_form_for_website.pdf |
Or Complete the Electronic Form Below. Preparing this on a PC is recommended:
