*College-bound seniors with coursework in performance music scored 52 points higher on the SAT Verbal and 37 points higher on SAT Math (The College Board, September 1997).
*Scientific studies indicate that music strengthens academic performance in Reading and Math (from Gardiner et al., Nature, May 23, 1996).
*One in three school children will eventually work in an arts-related job at some time in their career (Education Commission on the States).
*Over 90% of students who participate in high school music and attend college complete their degree (Music Advocacy's Top Ten for Students - Selmer Music Co., Elkhart, IN).
* There is a very high correlation between positive self-perception, high competence scores, healthy self-esteem, total interest and school involvement and the study of music (O.F. Lillemyr, Achievement Motivation as a Factor in Self-Perception, Norwegian Research Council for Science and the Humanities).
*Successful music students tend to possess the qualities and skills that are considered essential to employers in business, education and service organizations. They are ahead of others in writing, communications skills, and analytical skills (Rees, M.A., Instrumentalist, November 1988).
*The study of music is where we may learn commitment to quality and excellence in our work and where we can explore the inseparable relationship of mind and body (Hollander, F. The Educational Forum, Vol. 55, Winter 1991).
If your child is enrolled in music, studies have shown that keeping them involved throughout high school will earn them significantly higher results on standardized testing and grade point averages.
If your child is not involved, the best thing you can do is get them involved in music now and KEEP THEM INVOLVED!
More music facts are available from the National Coalition for Music Education at menc.org