Facts and Stats about Music Education

Of course I would tell you that every student needs to be involved in some sort of music education, that is literally my job. Fortunately for me, the science backs up that statement. Below are some statistics and facts from studies about the role that being involved in some sort of quality music education will have on the development of children in schools.

"Higher levels of math proficiency by grade 12"

In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show “significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.” This observation holds true regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time. 

Source

"More advanced reading skills"

Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons (Arete Music Academy. 

"Statistical benefits of music in education." Arete Music Academy. Accessed July 17, 2014). 

"Higher standardized test scores"

Students in high-quality school music education programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of community 

(Nature Neuroscience, April 2007).