“How about the kid I grabbed when he was in fifth grade, who was bout to get into a fight? I made a deal with him that I would not tell on him if he joined band...
Turned out, he was on his last chance with the juvenile parole board and if he had one more infraction he was going to a home. I just got an invitation to his wedding. I will be sending Dr. Smith and his future wife a lovely gift,” (NAMM 2006) Parents and
teachers should press to keep arts and music in schools because they promote better test scores, outlets to their child’s emotions, and disciplinary skills.
Arts and music have been proven to help with better test scores. Students in public schools who had been exposed to music-based lessons in March 1999, scored a full 100% higher on fractions tests than those who learned in a more conventional classroom. On standardized tests, middle school and high school students who were in musical classes scored significantly higher than those who did not; even in social
studies, musical programs have been proven to help social behaviors, attitudes, and grades. One of the most important tests that you will have to take in your life is not the math test that you had to take in college. it is not the everyday test of staying sane while dealing with your kids. It is the SAT. The College Entrance Examination board found that students in music appreciation classes scored 63 points higher in verbal and 44 points higher on math than students with no arts participation. On top of all of the better test scores, it also raises grade point averages. High school music students have been
shown to hold higher grade point averages than high school students that are not in a musical class. Arts and music in schools is a necessity due to its exponential
importance to a child’s grades.
The outlets to the emotions that music and art creates are phenomenal. Because those outlets have been shown to greatly decrease the amount of suicidal
thoughts going through a teen’s head, many parents are encouraging their children to join a musical program. Music programs provide an aesthetic experience for children.
This gives the student opportunities for emotional response which often encourages the
cognitive processes. Also, it could create a sense of self-worth which will always reflect a positive attitude. It is a great feeling when you are playing your instrument or making a piece of artwork. You feel the need to show it off when you are done. Emotional
experiences are important in a child’s life. They build self-esteem, they create a good
atmosphere for a child to grow up in, and they give your child a better home situation to
remember in adulthood . These are all very great things for your child to have.
Another very important reason for arts and music to be in schools is to encourage discipline. These days, children aren’t as strictly disciplined as they used to be. Although being in a musical program is an easy way to integrate discipline into your
child’s life, it takes practice to play an instrument or to be a good artist, so your child will
need to practice his or her instrument or practice drawing for multiple hours a week to make them better. This will teach your child how to keep up with something important. Also it will raise their self-esteem. When the child gets older and is able to be in
marching band, the discipline will get even harder. They will have to assume many positions and stay still for an extended amount of time. All of these things can drastically help your child’s disciplinary skills.
“We have seen firsthand how music education provides a solid foundation for children to become productive, successful adults, and so have school administrators
from across the nation,” (Lamond). Not only will better test scores come from arts and music in schools, other great things will show as well, like ways to show emotion and better disciplinary skills. These children will do well in society and are highly intelligent people.