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Eloquent Evidence:

Fascinating Facts

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As a result, music participation increases a child's ability to learn basic math and reading, and students who participate in music programs score significantly higher on standardized tests while at the same time developing crucial skills to be successful in life: self discipline, teamwork, and problem solving skills. Students involved in music are also less likely to be involved in gangs, drugs or alcohol abuse and have better attendance in school." -VH1, Save The Music Program

After learning eighth, quarter, half and whole notes, second- and third-graders scored 100% higher than their peers who were taught fractions using traditional methods.-Neurological Research, March 15, 1999*

Researchers at the University of Munster in Germany reported music lessons in childhood actually enlarge the brain. An area used to analyze the pitch of a musical note is enlarged 25% in musicians, compared to people who have never played an instrument. The findings suggest the area is enlarged through practice and experience. The younger the musicians were when they started musical training, the bigger this area of the brain appears to be.-Nature, April 23, 1998

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 necessary for learning math and science. After six months of keyboard lessons, those children who received piano/keyboard training performed 34% higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than the others. The findings indicate that music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science and engineering. -Neurological Research, February 27, 1997*

Students with coursework/experience in music performance scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 36 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts.-Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Taker, The College Board, (1998)

An analysis of the U.S. Department of Education NELLS88 database of over 25,000 students followed over a ten year period found that a higher percentage of students who were involved in music scored higher on standardized tests, reading and reading proficiency exams than those students who were not involved in music programs, regardless of their socio-economic background.-1997, Dr. James Catteral, UCLA

A report released by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that students involved in courses beyond the required "basics" were less likely to be involved with drugs.

The study went on to show that "secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances."(alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or any illicit drug.)-Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998*

A Gallup Survey on Americans' attitudes toward music revealed the following:

1. 90% of respondents agreed music should be part of a well-rounded education.

2. 88% felt all schools should offer instrumental music as part of regular curriculum.

3. 89% believe music helps a child's overall intellectual development.

4. 69% believe school music program participation corresponds to better grades and test scores. 5. 85% believe communities should provide financial resources to support these programs.-1997 Gallup Survey

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.-Nature, May 23, 1996