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OPINIONS
Richard Lemke: Music's positive impact on education is well documented
During the past few months, it has been very interesting to read in The Herald-Dispatch how the Cabell County school system is working to make the education of our children better. Then on March 26, there was an article concerning the transfer of a music teacher at Huntington High School. There was no mention in the article that a half music teacher position at Cabell Midland High School was also being cut.
On March 4, "NBC Nightly News" reported on a study taking place at Harvard University that found training in music improves performance in math and other academic subjects. This reinforces the previous Harvard Project Zero study that found the ability to process musical symbols a leading predictor of learning in other subject areas.
A Stanford University study states: Musical training helps the brain work more effectively in making split-second decisions. A recent University of Kansas study found on the Kansas State Education Tests, music students scored 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math than students not involved in music.
The College Board, which administers the SAT, has found since 1990 those students involved in music in high school have scored 57 points higher on the verbal section of the SAT and 43 points higher on the math section.
On Nov. 12, 2007, a national Harris Poll surveyed 2,600 Americans not involved in athletics or entertainment and whose salary was $150,000 or more per year. It found 88 percent had participated in music in high school.
For the past 30 years, study after study has shown that students participating in music have increased self-esteem, increased academic performance and reduced absenteeism.
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 lists music as one of the core subjects. It is difficult to understand why Cabell County schools are cutting back on the study of music at high school when all the studies have shown music increases academic achievement. They would not think of sending 65 to 70 football players to practice with only one coach, or 12 to 15 basketball players to practice with only one coach, but they are asking one band director to have rehearsals with 80 to 90 students.
Participation in music leads to success in school and learning, success in developing intelligence, success in society and success in life.
Richard Lemke is a retired professor of music at Marshall University and past president of the West Virginia Music Educators Association.
