tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post7980899103833123401..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: How Important Are Music Programs In Public Schools?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55154913186548593742015-12-20T07:59:02.940-08:002015-12-20T07:59:02.940-08:00The original point of music education in America w...The original point of music education in America was to teach the singing of hymns. http://www.newhopefairfax.org/files/24.%20Music%20and%20Song.pdfAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11350133123332608037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54782364052623168262015-07-28T11:56:37.390-07:002015-07-28T11:56:37.390-07:00I would agree where this is the case, but I don...I would agree where this is the case, but I don't believe what you've said is true throughout the country.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-54554987834421446692015-07-28T10:11:18.622-07:002015-07-28T10:11:18.622-07:00High School fine arts programs are some of the lar...High School fine arts programs are some of the largest money generators. They are also one of the most visible programs a school has and can provide some of the most enriching experiences for students, school personnel and community members.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38927122879693392013-10-22T07:12:26.566-07:002013-10-22T07:12:26.566-07:00Michelle -- Thanks for visiting and leaving a comm...Michelle -- Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment on this post. I agree about similarity of music and language. Or at least music is an extension of language. I'm fascinated by the cultural difference in music and how each style reflects the corresponding language. The study of ethnomusicology and cultural symbiosis with music should be incorporated into school programs with just as much relevance as history, language, and social studies. Music says a lot about a people and the era in which they live.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17168220574175119732013-10-16T04:43:48.993-07:002013-10-16T04:43:48.993-07:00I say it's very important.
But then I'm p...I say it's very important.<br /> But then I'm probably biased because I'm a music educator. However, I'm also a language educator. <br />And there ARE similarities between music and language. <br />I'm going off at a tangent here... but there's been an ongoing debate (over 200 years) about the evolution of the two... did they evolve one after the other, and if so, which came first?<br />But what is also really really fascinating, is that music occupies more area of the human brain than language does - and I'm wondering how and why did it evolve in that way... seems like we are, by design, a musical species. <br />I believe that music IS the only universal language... it brings people together in a special way... it doesn't depend on who you are or where you come from... music unites!<br />So wouldn't you say that it's important? I think the problem is the relevancy of the school music programmes (as mentioned by commenters above)<br />That's just my 2 cents...<br />(By the way, I popped over from your IWSG facebook post)<br />This is a GREAT post! Michelle Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-51530063368228359952013-10-11T15:19:08.162-07:002013-10-11T15:19:08.162-07:00ADG -- I am in agreement with what you say here an...ADG -- I am in agreement with what you say here and this was partly what I was trying to convey in a roundabout sort of way. I would never want to see schools abandon the classics since those works are the apex of the creation of man. I find much modern music to be trite, cacophonous, and often offensive--much like the generation of my parents probably found mine. We should recognize and evaluate newer music trends but not at the expense of what came before. But yes, you make a good point.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-85696174150275875182013-10-09T21:53:24.217-07:002013-10-09T21:53:24.217-07:00I've been teaching music in the public school ...I've been teaching music in the public school system for over twenty years, so it's going to shock you when I say: music education in the public schools is a waste of time and money.<br /><br />That's not to say that it HAS to be a waste; it COULD be something very valuable and relevant if music educators embraced what is culturally relevant TODAY, and what will be relevant and meaningful to students in the world in which they live. Of all arts education, music is the one that consistently refuses to embrace modernity. Back when jazz was the popular music in the U.S.,it was all but forbidden in educational settings; now that it is sixty years past its prime, it is a featured ensemble in schools. The golden age of guitarists was during the late sixties and seventies, but the inclusion of programs that embraced that trend was considered "bourgeois". Now guitar is a part of many programs, but even when it is, it is taught by people who were classically trained on symphonic instruments who play little, if any, guitar, and much of the instruction is in the manner of classical playing (note reading, rest stroke, etc) rather than music and technique that students would find useful today. The school ensemble is based on the model of the Sousa band of the late 1800's--a model that has long dated itself. Who actually even listens to wind band music other than the people who teach it, the kids who play it, and their parents when the attend concerts?<br /><br />There is certainly nothing wrong with teaching the classics, but in the case of music, they are being taught in lieu of relevant contemporary trends. Can you imagine Lit classes that doesn't include a Toni Morrison novel or an art class that restricts the use of line in portraiture to the style of the 1700's (hello, George Washington!)<br /><br />And in terms of creativity in school arts courses...the writers are writing short stories and poetry; the artists are doing modern sculpture and painting; the musicians are marching in a marching band at the football game. True, there may be budding songwriters in the schools who have their own bands, etc; but my experience indicates that THOSE musicians are not typically ones involved in the school band, chorus, or orchestra, and even if they are, their creative work is occurring outside the school and music room doors. <br /><br />As far as the discipline, etc: yes, learning to read music or play an oboe does require discipline, and may improve it. So does martial arts, archery, tennis, juggling, performing magic tricks, and riding a unicycle. Research a little further into all these tests that claim the music improves all sorts of stuff. In most cases they involve a)private piano lessons, and b)no consideration for the background of the students who actually excel. No public school I ever heard of provides private keyboard instruction to children; and there is a considerable difference between correlation and causation.<br /><br />So yes, as it stands, I would say public school music is a waste of money. It wouldn't be if it was current and relevant.<br /><br />ADG<br /><br />Bachelor of Music, Music Theory/Composition <br />Master of Music, Jazz Performance<br /><br />25+ years experience as: <br />rock guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist<br />jazz trumpeter in jazz bands/quintets <br />classical trumpeter in orchestras, brass quintets <br />public school and private teacheradgbusinessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-71144373041653326272013-02-05T15:12:19.968-08:002013-02-05T15:12:19.968-08:00Music is the most important thing in my life as a ...Music is the most important thing in my life as a middle schooler, and saying that you disapprove of music classes in school is outrageous, and frankly you are wrong.<br />-BaileyBailey8678https://www.blogger.com/profile/09279771891700187385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55248562348886294022012-03-12T09:12:35.100-07:002012-03-12T09:12:35.100-07:00As I read through the topic of "Is music educ...As I read through the topic of "Is music education in public schools important?" I feel responsible to add to this conversation.<br /><br />"At the beginning of this school year, a 3rd grader said to me "I wanna play Tuba". My eyes got big as my heart began to smile once more." <br /><br />In reality, however, I know that the probably of him receiving the proper instruction at this school had little promise. This scenario occurs throughout our country in schools who seek to embed Music Pedagogy in the school curriculum. Many schools have asked parents to provide musical instruments along with private lessons. This is a good start but falls short of providing the needs of a Music Program. There are many other factors that go over-looked. One important factor is protocol of scheduling and enrollment. In a school, students should have the freedom to choose what electives they are most interested in. They should not be forced to take Music or Art. We are waisting precious hours of instructional time on behavior modifications for students who are not interested in the subject. Students who are interested and want to be a part of these electives should have that freedom. Moreover, students who are forced into these classes already know that they may not have to pass Music courses to graduate. If music is to be considered in a school curriculum, it must have the respect as any other discipline. Students should never have low expectations about anything of study. We're sending the wrong message.<br /><br />Furthermore, I believe that schools have a responsibility to provide resources that aid in the development of the performing arts and vocational programs. These programs are essential to the overall development of our youngster -- they find plenty of funding for athletic programs.<br /><br />Districts and educational leaders have turned their backs on the traditional methods of music education for a more suitable and in-expensive alternative "Music Appreciation". In addition, our leaders have failed to implement the necessary components that music education requires:<br /><br />Facilities - Many music teachers are restricted to a cart for music instruction.<br /><br />Funding - Music instruments are expensive but are essential to music instruction. Investing in adequate tools are needed, not toys.Educational and Entertainment Serviceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346488186277851968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-6044309419212796762012-03-12T09:00:12.906-07:002012-03-12T09:00:12.906-07:00E & E Services--Thank you for this comment. I...E & E Services--Thank you for this comment. I'm always pleasantly surprised when an older post continues to garner comments.<br /><br />I think I'm in basic agreement with what you say.<br /><br />I began playing violin in the 3rd grade. It was 1959 and I was living in San Diego where they had a very good school music program with a school orchestra. For the next 4 years I played and excelled in playing. <br /><br /> Then we moved to Northern Indiana when I was entering junior high. No orchestra, no violins in the marching band. I still took lessons, but with little peer interaction in music I lost interest. No music programs after that and I didn't get back into music until I returned to college, but mostly only as a music fan.<br /><br />My theory is that music is as important as math since music is a form of math. Kids should have an ongoing regimen of music appreciation and understanding throughout their school years. Learning to play an instrument should be an encouraged elective.<br /><br />Like you say, without adequate and proper funding a music program in public schools will be less than successful. We are raising a generation with a lack of culture.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-58782851676671270112012-03-12T08:38:40.860-07:002012-03-12T08:38:40.860-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Educational and Entertainment Serviceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346488186277851968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-79363650150724940022011-12-04T20:28:31.613-08:002011-12-04T20:28:31.613-08:00Unknown --Thank you for stopping by to comment. I...Unknown --Thank you for stopping by to comment. I hope you see my reply.<br />It's always a surprise when someone comments on such an old post.<br />I agree with just about everything you say. I would suggest that you go back and reread my blog post and then read the reply I gave right about where your comment appears. My explanation is right there and I don't want to repeat it when you can just scroll up a little bit and see it. <br /><br />Thanks for your passionate comment.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55300177773449461182011-12-04T19:52:41.781-08:002011-12-04T19:52:41.781-08:00Idiot...
Is he serious?? Is advanced math really...Idiot... <br /><br />Is he serious?? Is advanced math really needed in a food preparation career? No? Might as well toss it out... What? Psychics isn't needed for most non science careers? Well let's abolish it from schools and let those who want to study physics take private lessons!! <br />Idiot...<br />FYI on average the smallest amount of a school's budget goes to music education and the other performing arts. So little in fact that , other than the teachers salaries, often times a music departments budget is consisted solely on what they make at concerts in ways of revenue.<br />You say that too much is being spent on the arts?? Go and actually research on how schools are allotted money,how unions and other organization cripple them into spending ridiculous amounts of money, and how public schools spend the money they have remaining.<br /><br />After that... look into the average that a school spends on sports, getting a new track every year, buying uniforms for all the participants, paying for all the trips, etc. (Nothing against sports, but it is true :) ) <br /><br />And then look up all the studies that show music education has drastically improved cognitive development in students.<br /><br />After all that, reread through your blog... you might have a different perspective.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09754070561770857931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56496482087779007212010-11-18T10:28:01.997-08:002010-11-18T10:28:01.997-08:00Anonymous--I was taken by surprise to see your com...Anonymous--I was taken by surprise to see your comment on this old post of mine, but I am very happy you stopped by to read and comment and I hope you will see my reply.<br /><br />You have misinterpreted my intent in doing this post and apparently did not read any of my responses in the comment section above. I was offering a debate format for this topic and as I will often do in order to stimulate the response to the debate and create a spirit of controversy, I took the opposite side of what I believe and what I thought most of my readers would believe. I didn't want to make anybody sick to their stomach; only stimulate discussion, which I did.<br /><br />In reality, I agree with your stated point of view about music and music education in schools. I believe that music should be a fundamental part of education and should be integrated into teaching things like math, science,language arts, and all other topics. Music is everywhere and music is the heartbeat of life and the lifeblood of our spirit and mind. <br /><br />I couldn't do without music in my life. If I couldn't hear it around me, I'd still hear it in my head. I was fortunate to have an education that often included music as part of the curriculum. I enjoy many styles of music, but if I could only have one it would be what is typically referred to as classical. Of course, within that I would want to include the entire gamut of subgenres. But yes!--give me Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. But don't forget Schubert, Vivaldi, Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Debussy, and on and on and on. Such great music that never gets old for me!<br /><br />Hope you are less chilled and don't think of me as such a musical bonehead anymore. Check out some of my other music posts and you will see more of where I'm coming from. I think I posted about music for most of the month of June.<br /><br />By the way, I'm curious as to how you located this particular post?<br /><br />Hope to hear from you again!<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-26682908851220831642010-11-18T09:48:49.151-08:002010-11-18T09:48:49.151-08:00first off let me state that you obviously have no ...first off let me state that you obviously have no idea what the hell you are talking about. you have completely forgotten the countless research that has shown that education in the arts has a direct link to higher math, reading and comprehension skills. and just because you cant see how music can help us function in the real world doesn't mean it doesn't. music requires you to be able to both stay focused on your own and in a cohesive ensemble. it also teaches you discipline and how to work in a group, both are abilities that ALL companies are looking for in an employee. secondly you haven't done your research into pop artists; for you to use lady gaga as a reference to music that has nothing to do with classical music is bull shit.... in fact any example of pop music is bull shit because there wouldn't be any pop music with out Beethoven, Motzart or Bach.... hell lady gaga attended the tisch school of the arts at NYU. i am currently in my fourth year at Washington State University and finishing my bachelors degree in music performance and everything that you have posted made me sick to my stomach that a bone head like yourself cant see why music is important to a childs development.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70377046001397166752010-05-16T14:29:47.026-07:002010-05-16T14:29:47.026-07:00Elizabeth -- amen to what you have said -- I agree...Elizabeth -- amen to what you have said -- I agree with you. And thank you for your continuation of the topic on your post <a href="http://aelizabethwest.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/music-of-the-hemispheres/" rel="nofollow">Music of the Hemispheres</a>Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-25838159616171906062010-05-16T06:47:44.578-07:002010-05-16T06:47:44.578-07:00Education in the arts is important for cultural de...Education in the arts is important for cultural development. Not only does it expose students to the richness and diversity of their own culture, but music is a fantastic way to expose them to others as well. I belong to a music website where all the people come together to enjoy soundtracks, and a ton of them live halfway around the world. Yet we all have this in common, and we have become friends. We don't need anything more to divide us; it's a global community. Keep art and music education. Support it and fight for it. <br /><br />Disclaimer: I don't have any children but if I did, they WOULD have this. I would see to it. If the school couldn't provide it, I would. It's too important.Elizabeth Westhttp://aelizabethwest.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-44205291629219898892010-05-15T22:18:02.507-07:002010-05-15T22:18:02.507-07:00Jacob -- Thank you so much for your debate respons...Jacob -- Thank you so much for your debate response. I agree with many of the points that you make and I thank you for participating in my Debate Thursday. Since my goal is to stimulate a response I will often take a side that I feel will be unpopular with many of my readers. In other words I try to push some buttons so as to get a debate going.<br /><br />Your response concerning the constitutional aspects of the argument is directed to one of the respondents to the debate and not to my original debate arguments.<br /><br />On the second response you made here are my disagreement with what you say:<br />Actually I do think that study of the Bible should be part of the public school curriculum as a study of the book itself and not to proselytize any religion and I think comparative studies of religions would be appropriate, with the bias going toward Judeo-Christian religions.<br />Music is very subjective. Even the playing can be subjective-- consider classical, jazz, and rock styles-- there can be stylistically different ways of playing that draw scorn from other players where as there can be integration of opinions of approaches to techniques as well. <br />There is a lot of subjectivity to music period.<br /><br />My opinion also, and I feel this is fact more than opinion, is that music is math-- the studies of both can be integrated. J.S. Bach is one of the greatest mathematicians who ever lived and his formulas resulted in great music.<br /><br />Rap and hip-hop mostly suck, Lady GaGa is kind of entertaining, but classical musical trumps it all.<br /><br />A rich and thorough study in music should be part of the school curriculum from K thru 12.<br /><br />Please note: I was engaging in forensic debate for the sake of creating an exchange of ideas, I did it, and I enjoyed. Please come back for future debates. This coming Thursday I will be posing another topic related to music.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-18465331205737311392010-05-15T20:44:23.333-07:002010-05-15T20:44:23.333-07:00"Like religion, music is something that shoul..."Like religion, music is something that should be taught by parents at home and not be part of the public education forum."<br /><br />I think you have a misconception as to why religion is a privately taught thing, and music education is not. You see, in music, there is obviously disagreement on taste and interpretation, but as a whole the method by which one PLAYS an instrument is fairly well agreed upon. This is not so for religion. As such, religion stays at home. The government stays out of religious education because the government is reflective of the people's desires, and since the people cannot come to agreement on religious principles, it would be ridiculous to attempt to establish some fair system by which religion could be taught in schools.<br /><br />Music education, however, is not so subjective. Unless you have some sort of dedicated music appreciation class - which I have never experienced, though I'm sure they do exist - most music classes focus around the teaching of PLAYING an instrument, which is entirely different than listening to music, and which aids in the development of many young childrens' minds and their social skills.<br /><br />The act of playing music is one which involves the use of the vast majority of the brain. It is rare to find somebody who need not focus intently upon their work to play good music. I take it from your post that you may not have actually taken a music class in high school. I'll be honest, your comment about music classes being a 'goof-off' class is more or less true at the elementary (K-5) level. At my school district, however, that changes at around Grade 6. However, it is also at Grade 6 that most musical education becomes optional - which is what leads me to believe that you may have opted out.<br /><br />What you'll find when you look at a high school music program - or even the music programs of quality junior high schools - is NOT a 'goof-off' class. As much time and dedication is put into focusing the childrens' minds on a goal and accomplishing that goal as time is spent learning mathematical principles, expounding upon scientific theories, or analyzing historical events. Playing and appreciating music, to put it simply, is an act of thinking. An ultimately, thought and the development of thought is the purpose of public education. I'm not even going to delve into the massive amount of evidence which supports the idea that music education is vital to a developing childs' brain. There's plenty of it and if you were interested in finding anything out about it and invested enough in your intellectual honesty to do research before you posted, you would have done so already.<br /><br />With that, I'll just say this...<br /><br />"Why should we taxpayers throw away money to perpetuate programs that students don't care about?"<br /><br />First, if this is your argument, you may as well cancel school. Period.<br /><br />"Why would people want to bother with classical music when we have really good entertaining music like rap, hip-hop, and Lady GaGa."<br /><br />Second, this is why we need music education.Jacobnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-24051271022301081942010-05-15T20:32:56.723-07:002010-05-15T20:32:56.723-07:00"Actually, if federally-funded public educati..."Actually, if federally-funded public education was banned in accordance with the U.S. Constitution"<br /><br />The Constitution never explicitly bans public education. It simply never describes a system by which the federal government can establish a public education. Nowhere does it say that the state governments have no authority to educate the children - and in fact it is widely considered among most historians to be one of the states' primary jobs to educate the next generation. <br /><br />Lack of an education - as is encouraged by not mandating an education with specific guidelines and goals - leads to people, unfortunately like you, who do not care for intellectual honesty nor for the benefit of the people of the United States. Lack of an education, as you seem to have, promotes selfishness (as evidenced by your posts) and would ultimately degrade this country even further. I'm ashamed that somebody would ever suggest such a thing.Jacobnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-34211277984283467442010-05-15T14:58:33.448-07:002010-05-15T14:58:33.448-07:00StMcC-- Me? Sarcastic? How could you say such a th...StMcC-- Me? Sarcastic? How could you say such a thing?<br />Actually I agree that if federal funding were taken that few teachers would be unemployed. I think the federal Dept of Education has mainly bureaucratic types on the payroll. No sad goodbyes there and maybe there could be a resurgence in good quality teaching again.<br />I'll read the book while I'm on the island-- oh, you probably think I'm being sarcastic again.<br /><br />Paula--Love the quotes and I agree with what you say. That situation in L.A. currently is what inspired my debate question. Music and arts are among the first programs to be considered when cutting the budget.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-61941648869263493782010-05-15T13:39:44.980-07:002010-05-15T13:39:44.980-07:00Music should be imperative to the contemporary edu...Music should be imperative to the contemporary educational system. Unfortunately, music and art often are the first courses deleted from a school budget - heaven forbid they remove competitive sports.<br /><br />Plato put it much better than I ever could when he said:<br /><br />"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."<br /><br />He also said: "Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue."Paula Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-34174055883036422852010-05-15T08:45:02.777-07:002010-05-15T08:45:02.777-07:00rLEE-b(rother) ~
--> We could save taxpayers h...rLEE-b(rother) ~<br /><br /><i><b>--> We could save taxpayers huge amounts of money, not to mention vastly increase unemployment rolls, by getting rid of all public education and...(etc.)</b></i><br /><br />Do I detect a trace of sarcasm? <br />Actually, if federally-funded public education was banned in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, few if any of the currently employed teachers would remain unemployed for long. A new void in education - now restricted solely to more efficient private or state-sanctioned educational institutions - would quickly be filled by out-of-work teachers, now freed from the federal education bureaucracy.<br /><br />If you have never read it before, I highly recommend that you check out Henry Hazlitt's book 'Economics In One Lesson'. It explains how decreased taxation in conjunction with a trimming of federal intrusion never results in increased unemployment or stagnation in the economic sector. It's the government bureaucrats who convince us that we need them or else the economy will be ruined. In truth, it is they (and the private Federal Reserve) who always represent the biggest drain and drag on the nation's economy. <br /><br />~ "Lonesome Dogg" McD-FensStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-51033652906679960102010-05-14T18:17:24.542-07:002010-05-14T18:17:24.542-07:00Kathy -- I agree with you. I actually believe a ed...Kathy -- I agree with you. I actually believe a education in the arts is equal to all of the other academic pursuits if not a tad superior. A world without good music frightens me and sometimes I feel we are headed in that direction because the newer generations have not gotten enough proper training in the arts.Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38236278435356459852010-05-14T18:12:09.994-07:002010-05-14T18:12:09.994-07:00I did a post a while back on the benefits of music...I did a post a while back on the benefits of music education in our schools. Statistically, students who participate in music score higher on standardized tests (and we all know that this is the real goal of an education - tongue planted firmly in cheek) Music definitely increases math abilities. I am biased, my daughter will be graduating tomorrow with a degree in music education. The fine arts program in our school district is exceptional, and participating in band gave her focus, taught her discipline and teamwork and provided her with a goal to pursue after high school. My husband and I could not possibly have given her the music education she received. I would hate to see music and the arts become the bastion of the wealthy. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be exposed to the arts. KathyKathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12396548112800738809noreply@blogger.com