Music Education Importance

The Importance of Music Education in Elementary Schools

“Throughout history, philosophers, religious leaders, aristocrats, and civic officials have described music education as a necessary component of society [and life]” (Abril and Brent). Yet, when budget cuts are made in school districts, the elementary school music programs are one of the first considered for elimination (Clayton). “…The significance of music in school[s] goes beyond music as an art” (Walker, 153). Obtaining a musical education in elementary school prepares the way for later success in society, school, developing intelligences, and in life.

Music prepares students for success in society, of which music is a part of (MENC). “…every human culture uses music to carry forward its ideas and ideals” (MENC). Music education is beneficially important, especially in this country, where music has carried forward society and brought the people into new times. If children are not taught music at an early age, then they will have a harder time understanding the past and benefiting the future. Society consists of many different cultures and races, and a music education teaches students to respect these other ethnicities (Phillips).

Without that experience and understanding, then the future could lead us back into the past, when differences in races led many people to believe that some people were inferior and other people superior (MENC).

Music also leads to success in school. “…Scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students” (MENC). Evidence also shows that students who have a music education at a young age achieve higher grades in high school, as well as higher scores on standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT (Phillips). “Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them” (MENC). Therefore, colleges are more likely to accept students who have musical participation and

Music gives students means of self-expression, showing what he or she believes. This self-expression directly leads to self-esteem (Phillips). And through more study of music, students can develop a good and healthy feeling of self-worth. “Music performance teaches the student to conquer fear and take risks” (Phillips). In all music classes, whether in elementary or high school, the students are asked to take risks. The risk can include anything from performing in front of the school to simply learning a new piece of music. Risk-taking is essential for a child to fully develop his or her potential, for one must be willing to fail to progress through life (Phillips).

Music programs in elementary schools help children in “real and substantial ways” (MENC), preparing the way for them for later success in society, school, developing intelligences, and in life. In school districts, when budget cuts are made, the elementary school music programs are one of the first considered for removal (Clayton). This should not be the case.

“When presented with the many and manifest benefits of music education, officials at all levels should universally support a full, balanced, sequential course of music instruction taught by qualified teachers” (MENC).

Music education is more than simply music (Walker, 153). It is a “necessary component of society [and life]” (Abril and