I'm in a music service fraternity (yes, it's co-ed) and a brother from Minnesota posted online that music education is being cut in her school district. Sadly, this is not uncommon. Music programs are being cut around the nation. She asked us to help, to comment on a survey hosted by the school district that wants opinions. This is what I wrote:
Taking away music programs in schools is one of the worst decisions you can make. Music classes are where students not only learn creativity and artistic skills, but it is where they learn valuable life skills that affect every aspect of life. Social skills, interpersonal skills, leadership, dedication, work ethic, and teamwork are all learned in music classes. Aren't these qualities you want your citizens to have in the future?
In addition, students who participate in music programs achieve higher in other areas as well, especially in academics. Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons. Regardless of socioeconomic status or school district, students who participate in high-quality music programs score 22 better on English and 20% better on math standardized exams.
And schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate compared to schools without music education, which average 72.9% graduation and 84.9% attendance.
Cutting music classes would impact the school district not only because the students will not do as well in all the areas I mentioned above, but also because your school district statistics will suffer! Your scores will go down. Your graduation and attendance rates will go down. Is that something you want?