Why music education?

For those of you who are worried about your student’s involvement in music, here is some valuable information about it’s benefits and impact on student growth:

Often young people, and even parents, fear the added workload of the middle school curriculum and assume they will not have time to participate in the music program. That is simply not true. Ironically, it is often the continuation of musical studies that serves as the transitional key to success. Being a member of a music ensemble ensures instant acceptance in a respected organization at the onset of secondary education. A group of supporting friends is already established with a firm sense of "belonging."

Additionally, the performance and travel opportunities available to performing ensembles are limitless! The decision to join a band or choir will have a HUGE impact on your child’s potential and opportunities, from performances for large audiences, travel and trips, as well as college scholarship opportunities. Ongoing research continues to offer dramatic statistics concerning young people who participate in their school music programs. In the 1997 publication, Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, (from The College Board), it was discovered that, "Students with course work experience in music performance scored 89 points higher on the SAT tests than students with no course work in the arts." This kind of information clearly and positively marks the future of our young musicians.

As a parent, you need to know that:
* Research shows that when music is included in a student's daily learning that reading, writing and math scores improve.
* Participation in music can help a student’s admission into college.
* There is a high correlation between positive self-perception, high cognitive competence scores, healthy self-esteem, total interest in school activities and the study of music.
* College admission officers sometimes give special consideration to students who are part of their high school music programs.
* The longer an individual studies music, the higher his/her scores tend to be on both the verbal and math portions of the SAT examination.
* Employers often seek out students who continue as part of their high school music program because of the student's ability to solve problems and work well with all kinds of people.

Your child deserves the best as they enter the secondary education culture. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I join you in your commitment to the best education possible for your child.