Since 2008, funding has been cut in more than 80 percent of United States school districts. Unfortunately, many of the first programs to go are often art, foreign language and music. When people defend keeping music classes in schools, most will reference its ability to improve motor skills and cognitive structure.

This point is absolutely valid, but it’s not the only reason we should keep teaching music education. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to fight for music education:

1. Music is everywhere. Can you remember how many consecutive hours you’ve gone without hearing some sort of music? People listen to music online through websites like YouTube or Pandora during work, while they workout and while they are performing every day tasks. You can’t escape music on the screen either. It plays through movies, television shows and advertisements. We’re constantly plugging in our headphones or ear buds to our phones and iPods. There’s music in our cars, on the subway and on the streets. Music is omnipresent, so it’s best to teach children why.
2. Music helps people understand emotion. People escape reality through music because it helps us comprehend some of our more profound feelings. When people can’t find the words to explain their feelings, music helps them express what they can’t say. Playing an instrument, singing a melody and dancing to a beat are forms of emotional expression that cannot be experienced through words.
3. Music is a universal language. People come together to play compositions, to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Music fosters collaboration and connection between students that math and science don’t. When people play music, they mentor each other, show support and form relationships beyond logic. Music is compassionate and teaches the beauty of human nature. It’s necessary in a world of reason because growing emotionally is just as important as growing intellectually.
4. Music offers no sincere defeat. In science and math, there’s a right and wrong answer. In sports, there’s a winner and a loser. In music, there’s no defined correctness or sincere defeat. Though music competitions can harbor an atmosphere of friendly competition, people can still pursue excellence in music without having to worry about being the best or being right.
5. Music makes people proud. Because music is omnipresent, everyone has his or her favorite. “What kind of music do you like?” is often a question asked on a first date, or within the flow of conversation with a stranger on the bus. When people talk about music, they can discover something new or bond over a common favorite.

It’s true that music helps with testing and classroom participation, but it’s not the only reason that music education is necessary in schools. Music education is necessary because it adds an emotional component to a schedule full of logic and reason. It teaches human nature, fosters cooperation and is comprehended by all students without fear of misunderstanding or failure. Music brings people together, and that is why it is necessary to keep music education within school curriculum.

Watch a prime example of youth excellence in music, as we begin auditions for our Young Artist Competition this year. For more information, click below: