Facts and Insights on the Benefits of Music Study
(formerly “Benefits of Music” brochure and “Facts and Figures”)
Need specific press information? Contact Elizabeth Lasko at MENC (elizabeth @ menc.org).
Need specific advocacy information? Contact Sue Rarus at MENC (suer @ menc.org).
FOR A SHORTER VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT, SEE: Benefits of Music (PDF)Facts updated by MENC Staff, Summer 2007. When using specific facts/quotes, please be sure to cite the individual source that follows each item. Other text authored by MENC Staff. When citing MENC (non-fact) portions of this document, please cite as: MENC—The National Association for Music Education, Why Music Education? 2007. Further questions (or for info on research studies prior to 2004), contact info @ menc.org. Also see: www.supportmusic.com; www.musicfriends.org; www.music-for-all.org; www.ecs.org; www.aep-arts.org; The Sounds of Learning Project, NAMM; and MENC Government Affairs
“Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts.” This is the opening statement of “The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles,” a document from the nation’s ten most important educational organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the National School Boards Association. The basic statement is unlikely to be challenged by anyone involved in education. In the sometimes harsh reality of limited time and funding for instruction, however, the inclusion of the arts in every student’s education can sometimes be relegated to a distant wish rather than an exciting reality. It doesn’t have to be that way! All that’s needed is a clear message sent to all those who must make the hard choices involved in running a school or school system. The basic message is that music programs in the schools help our kids and communities in real and substantial ways. You can use the following facts about the benefits of music education, based on a growing body of convincing research, to move decision-makers to make the right choices. The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories: When presented with the many and manifest benefits of music education, officials at all levels should universally support a full, balanced, sequential course of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. And every student will have an education in the arts. - MENC: The National Association for Music Education | 
