Study after study has proven that music education dramatically increases early brain development and improves students' overall academic performance. The following is a sample of the research that is currently available:

Enhances Higher Brain Function

Music lessons have been shown to improve a child's performance at school. A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reports that music training-specifically piano instruction-is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills which are necessary for learning math and science. This experiment included three groups of preschoolers:

• one group received private piano/keyboard lessons and singing lessons
• a second group received private computer lessons
• and a third group received no training. 

After six months of keyboard lessons, those children who received piano/keyboard training performed 34% higher on tests than the others. These findings indicate that music enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science and engineering. 

(from Neurological Research Feb 28, 1997; Frances Raucher, Ph.D., Gordon Shaw, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine.)

Improves Reading and Math Performance

A research team studying first graders from two Rhode Island elementary schools found that students who participated in an "enriched, sequential, skill building music program" dramatically increased their reading and math performance.

(From Nature May 23, 1996; Gardener, Fox, Jeffery and Knowles)

Raises IQ Scores

Mozart's Piano Sonata K448 was found to significantly increase spatial scores of college students on IQ tests when the Sonata was listened to for 10 minutes, dubbed the "Mozart Effect."

(From Nature Copyright 1993, Drs. Reuser and Shaw, University of Concordia, Irvin.)

Provides Important Experiences

Musical activities provide children with important experiences that can help them develop physical coordination, timing, memory, visual, aural and language skills. When they work to increase their command of music and exercise musical skills in the company of others they gain important experience with self-paced learning, mental concentration and heightened personal and social awareness.

(Frank R. Wilson, m.D.; Clinical Professor of Neurology-University of California School of medicine in San Francisco; AMD 1998 Publication: "Music and your Child.")

Increases SAT Scores

Students with coursework/experience in music performance scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and 36 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts for a combined total of 88 points higher.

(Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers 1998, The College Board)

There is a direct correlation between SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts. Those who studied the arts for four years or more scored 57 points higher on verbal and 39 points higher on math portions of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts fir a combined total of 96 points higher.

(Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers 1998, The College Board)

Teaches the Habit of Excellence

Band directors agreed that children who are active in school music program (s) get the unique opportunity to experience the intrinsic value of excellence. Organizations today emphasize the need to recruit people who can demonstrate proven abilities in the areas of quality and commitment to excellence, As one band director commented, "One band note can wreck a beautiful symphony. this is about performing, not rehearsing."

(Dynamic Presentations Unlimited Research; Band Director Focus Groups, December 1998)

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