The Impact of Public School Music Programs on SAT Scores

Education
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Emily Reno
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Jul 11

Are extracurricular activities like band practice or choir performance beneficial in the classroom? According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students in public school music programs scored an average of 107 points higher on the SAT than non-music students. This highlights the significant impact of music classes on students. Let's break this down and discuss how strumming the guitar or singing in a school choir can, over time, increase a student's SAT score while they engage in something they love.

Music Education and Academics

Instrumental or vocal lessons taught in public schools are not only lessons in singing or instrument playing. Forward-thinking schools provide comprehensive education that could help positively influence learners’ intelligence, problem-solving, and academic performance. Here are some of the many benefits of music education:

  1. Cognitive Development: Learning music involves the active functioning of the brain while in playing music, one has to read music, beat and move the body simultaneously. The complexity of the activity helps develop parts of the brain that are vital in education, memory, concentration and solving problems.
  2. Better Math Skills: Self, music a lot related to math as far as patterns fractions and ratios are concerned. These enable an individual to acquire mastery in reading notes in music and playing an instrument which in return enhance the mastering of math skills that can in turn provide better scores in math classes and test consequently.
  3. Language and Literacy Skills: A music education helps boost the child’s phonological awareness, words understandings, and reading comprehensions. Singing lyrics and reading music notation will make your verbal section of the SAT that much easier because it aids in developing the muscles of the mouth that are needed to spout off words.

Research

Several research studies corroborate the advantages of music education. According to a report by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME):

  • Students taking music score higher on the SAT than the students who do not take music, particularly scoring 57 points more in the verbal area and 41 points more on the math area (College Board, 2006).
  • Children in high quality school music aches better on standardized achievement tests than children in non music school (Morrison, 1994).

In addition, the University of Kansas has established that the elementary students who participate in the high quality music teaching and learning scored twenty-two percent higher in English tests, and twenty percent higher in mathematical tests.

Real-World Examples

A research study conducted at a public high school in Texas that incorporated a comprehensive music program into its curriculum observed notable improvements over more than five years. The general average SAT scores and overall performance of the students increased significantly. Students participating in music classes reported being more engaged, motivated, and disciplined compared to their peers who did not take music lessons. This increased involvement was reflected in their better grades.

Music can play an important role in a child's transformation, highlighting the importance of public school music programs. These programs should not be eliminated from school curricula as they are essential to the education sector. Music provides students with artistic freedom, a social life, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the impact on SAT scores and the potential for scholarships cannot be overlooked. Schools considering funding music programs should ensure they provide students with the necessary materials to excel, not only in music but in their academics as well.

Why Music in Public School?

Music as we know is an integral part of education hence the need to encourage the continuation of the programs in the public schools. This is because; they provide the students with an artistic endeavor, companionship and membership of a group. However, the academic bonus especially in the sphere of SAT scores can be categorically denied. Thus, through supporting the music programs in schools it is possible to prepare students for success in music and in the classroom.

Today’s society faces the question of how music should be supported in schools.

In this context, parental involvement, in cooperation with teachers and politicians, is a condition sine qua non in the support of music education. Here are some practical steps to advocate for and boost music programs in public schools:

  1. Advocacy: Educate school boards, other PTA and community members and other relevant authorities with research findings and success stories in regards to the need for music to be continued to be taught in school.
  2. Funding: Persuade local governments and school districts to set aside money to provide for instruments, qualified teachers and music activities among students.
  3. Community: Fundraise, coordinate events and establish significant relationships between the schools and sponsors to provide more experiences for the students and use local resources to support music production improvements.

Conclusion

Public school music programs play a crucial role in enhancing academic performance and overall cognitive development. The benefits of music education extend beyond higher SAT scores; it also improves language and literacy skills, reduces stress, enhances memory, and offers numerous other advantages. By recognizing and preserving the value of music education, students can achieve their educational goals not only in music but also in various other areas of life

For more research on this topic, you can explore the following sources:

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