Music is education is important!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:    Students who participate in instrumental music score significantly higher than their non-band peers in standardized tests.

Source: University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball; East Texas State University Study, Daryl Erick Trent

A 10 year study, tracking more than 25,000 students, shows that music-making improves test scores regardless of socio-economic background.  Source: Dr. James Catterall, UCLA, 1997

SELF ESTEEM/CONFIDENCE:      A McGill University study found that self-esteem and confidence measures improved for the students given music instruction.

Source: Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi, "Effects of 3 years piano instruction on children's cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and self-esteem," presented at the Music Educators National Conference, Phoenix, AZ, April, 1998

ACHIEVEMENT: The National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 showed music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students.
Source: National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 First Follow-Up (1990), U.S. Department of Education.

High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their peers.

Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001.

Under-achievers in 8 Rhode Island schools were given music and arts training. After 7 months a standardized test revealed they had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their peers in math by 22%. Teachers noted a better attitude and behavior as well.

Source: Nature May 23, 1996

STABILITY:        College-age musicians are emotionally healthier than their non-musician counterparts. A study conducted at the University of Texas gave 362 students three tests, measuring performance anxiety, emotional concerns and alcohol related problems. In addition to having fewer battles with the bottle, researchers found that the college-aged music students had surer footing when facing tests.
Source: Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998

"The nation's top business executives agree that arts education programs better prepare workers for the 21st century."
Source: "The Changing Workplace is Changing Our View of Education," Business Week, October 1996.