According to a recent statewide survey, student involvement in extracurricular or cocurricular activities makes students resilient to current substance use among their peers. Secondary students who participated in band, orchestra or choir reported the lowest lifetime use of all substances.
- 1994 Texas School Survey of Substance Abuse Among Students: Grades 7-12
All-State music students consistently score over 200 points higher on the SAT than non-music students, indicating that high performing students have a strong interest in pursuing serious music interests while excelling in other academic areas. (see All-State SAT Data )
- TMEA Survey, 1988-98
A recent study states that music majors have the highest rate of admittance to medical school, a whopping 66.7%. Biochemistry, the subject area closest to medicine, has a rate of 59.2 %,
- Rockefeller Foundation
Music students always outperform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Because of their study of music, their skills are better in reading, anticipating, memory, listening, forecasting, recall and concentration.
- B. Friedman, "An Evaluation of the Achievement in Reading and Arithmetic of Pupils in Elementary School Instrumental Music Classes."
Arts Education aids students in skills needed in the workplace: flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate; the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence.
- Joseph M. Calahan, Director of Corporate Communications, Xerox. Corporation
Participation in the fine arts engenders discipline, a sense of community, trust, and teamwork. All of these qualities are essential to a student's potential success in the workplace.
- Dr. Mike Moses, Former Texas Commissioner of Education
The things I learned form my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results...Not a bad preparation for the work force!
- Gregory Anrig, President, Educational Testing Service
I believe arts education in music, theater, dance and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training...training that prepares them to become confident young men and women. As I visit schools around the country I see a renewed interest in arts education and a growing concern about the negative impact of cutting art and music out of the curriculum. The creativity of the arts and the joy of music should be central to the education of every American child.
- Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education
