Recognizing Benefits And Importance Of School-Based Music Education

Floor Speech

RECOGNIZING BENEFITS AND IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-BASED MUSIC EDUCATION -- (House of Representatives - April 25, 2007)

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 121, which highlights the benefits and importance of school-based music education. I would like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this resolution we are considering today.

Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance.

In an analysis by the U.S. Department of Education, data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years showed significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12 regardless of a student's socioeconomic status.

A 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. So it is not surprising that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

In fact, many colleges and universities view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

For these reasons, I support H. Con. Res. 121. The resolution states it is the sense of Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum, and should be available to every student in every school.

Music education is important to our children. It can broaden and strengthen their education and improve their lives. I join my colleagues in commending music educators and organizations across the country for the key roles they play in helping our students succeed in school and throughout life.

As former President Gerald Ford said, ``Music education opens the doors that help children pass from school into the world around them, a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our Nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.''

I urge my colleagues to support House Con. Res. 121 and music education in our schools.

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