The
Power of Music Education
Giving children the musical advantage...
Researchers
are providing us with an unprecedented understanding of how we
think and learn. Now we know that music is a vital part of a complete
education. Children can benefit greatly from making music. Now
is the time to bolster a more complete music education program
at your school by developing a diverse music curriculum that will
attract more students to arts classes.
Studies have shown that guitar classes enhance school music programs
by offering a more complete arts education, and that guitar classes
attract students who might not otherwise participate in organized
music education in the schools*.
*GAMA Web site, www.discoverguitar.com, 2002
Increases
SAT Scores
There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and
the length of time spent studying the arts. College-bound seniors
who have had school music experience scored 52 points higher on
the verbal portion of their SATs and 37 points higher in math
(89 points combined) than those without arts instruction.
–Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College
Board, 1998
Improves Skills Across the Curriculum
Studies have linked active music making with better language and
math ability, improved school grades, better-adjusted social behavior
and improvements in "spatial-temporal reasoning."
–American Music Conference, 2001
Teaches the Habit of Excellence
“The offerings in music history, music theory and arts history
seem to me a rich and enviable component for a secondary school.”
–Stanford University Admissions Officer
Prepares Youth for the Future
“As a chief executive of a technology company that thrives
on creativity, I want to work with people whose imaginations have
been unleashed and who tackle problems as challenges rather than
see them as obstacles. An education enriched by the creative arts
should be considered essential for everyone.”
–John Sculley, former Chairman/CEO, Apple Computers, Inc.
Music for Every Child
Because music is a basic expression of human culture, every student
should have access to a balanced, comprehensive and sequential
program of study in music.
–National Standards for Arts Education,
1994 by Music Educators National Conference (MENC)
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