Music education – more important than ever

As the world begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, educators face the uncertainty of the coming school year and how music education could be affected. While we cannot know what the future holds, we believe that music education matters more than ever before – to that end, we’ve compiled resources that may be helpful for educators advocating for programs in their schools and districts.

Unparalleled benefits for students

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has long advocated for quality music instruction in schools and recently issued a statement entitled “Arts Education is Essential” as policymakers make plans for the upcoming school year. This printable PDF is a valuable resource that could be shared you’re your school and district. Supported by over 50 organizations, the statement outlines three critical reasons that arts education must be a priority:

Arts education supports the social and emotional well being of students, whether through distance learning or in person.

Arts education nurtures the creation of a welcoming school environment where students can express themselves in a safe and positive way.

Arts education is part of a well-rounded education for all students as understood and supported by federal and state policymakers.

We couldn’t agree more. Last fall, we shared insights from one of our client partners highlighting the ways music education helps students grow. They shared how students learned perseverance, thrived with support and shared a sense of earned pride. These intangibles can’t be measured with a standardized test but have lasting effects for students, inspiring them well beyond their days in the classroom. 

Validated scientific research

In past posts, we’ve shared research that shines light on the profound connection between the arts and other disciples, but that’s not where the research ends:

• There’s evidence that music education affects standardized test scores, IQ tests and academic proficiency.
• Music training can improve spatial reasoning and match achievement.
• Arts education can enhance students’ exam scores and college admissions opportunities.
• Scientists continue to uncover connections between music and the brain.

Additionally, NAfMe offers a “Make Your Case” page that includes excellent resources to use as you advocate for music education, including research, personal stories and more.

The power of music, accessible to all

In recent months, we’ve seen how truly powerful music can be – from balconies in Italy and hospital window serenades to Zoom concerts and living room performances from our favorite artists. Students express themselves through art, but only if they’re given the opportunity.

Music specifically helps them process the world around them and gives them a language for emotions that may otherwise be difficult to express. They already feel its power through the media they consume, connecting with the soundtracks of superhero movies and pop music beats. Music education gives them the tools to harness that power and use it to change their personal worlds. 

We support educators around the nation as they advocate for their programs and will continue to share resources that could be helpful. When it comes to music education (and performance travel!), we believe the best is yet to come.