Measuring the benefits of music education

By David Law

The Music Educators National Conference set aside the month of March as Music In Our Schools Month. The theme this year is “Just Imagine.” I would like you to just imagine how much each child could grow through participation in an active, vibrant school music program.

Every effort must be made to maintain and support these programs in every school district in our great state.

In this time of budget cuts, each school district in Iowa must make well-informed decisions regarding the best educational interests of their students in preserving programs that educate the whole child.

Research data proves that students who are involved with music classes score better on standardized tests and also perform much better in their other core curriculum classes. The public may not know that:

l College-bound seniors with school music experience scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of their SATs and 41 points higher in math (98 points combined) than those without music instruction.

l Those schools whose music programs are rated “excellent” or “very good” have significantly higher graduation rates than schools without music programs (91 percent vs. 73 percent).

l Schools that have music programs have significantly higher attendance rates than do those without programs (93 percent as compared to 85 percent).

l The study and performance of music offers unique opportunities for learning that transcend across the rest of the core curriculum and that provide daily experiences to prepare students for life. From these opportunities, students develop skills that include creativity, innovation, working productively in group situations, the ability to self-direct and increased “real life” problem-solving and communication skills.

We believe that:

1) Music education is basic to an individual's intellectual, aesthetic, social, physical, cultural and emotional development;

2) Curricula must include a balanced, comprehensive and sequential pre K-12, standards-based program in both the fine and performing music for all students.

3) Programs must be taught and assessed by certified music educators who have equal standing with other core educators and are full, professional employees of the entity they serve.

4) Promoting collaboration through alliances and partnerships with regional, state and national music organizations will build a stronger voice of support for music education, raise public awareness of the value of music education, resulting in higher lifelong success for your students.

Music instruction has an important place in the new Iowa Core Curriculum. For example, a properly taught high school music program will meet all of the criteria of the employability skills listed under the heading 21st Century Living Skills. A successful music program must be supported at the entry level with an appropriate curriculum and well-trained teachers.

Those employability skills for grades 9-12 include:

l Communicate and work productively with others, incorporating different perspectives and cross-cultural understanding, to increase innovation and the quality of work.

l Adapt to various roles and responsibilities and work flexibly in climates of ambiguity and changing priorities.

l Demonstrate leadership skills, integrity, ethical behavior and social responsibility while collaborating to achieve common goals.

l Demonstrate initiative and self-direction through high achievement and lifelong learning.

l Demonstrate productivity and accountability by meeting high expectations.

We encourage school boards to consider the efficiencies inherent in your school district's structure and not make significant changes without serious and detailed study of the side effects.

Because each school board has the responsibility to take the long-term perspective in enabling their schools to provide the best possible education for their students, we encourage your continued support of music and art in your district at the highest possible levels.

David Law of Marion

is president of the Iowa

Music Educators Association.