Lazar Finker On What Students Lose When Music Education Is Cut

In recent years, state and local governments have been suffering from financial pitfalls. Due to these widespread issues, budget cuts are often made. Public schools are one of the first institutions that are affected. When a school looks at their own budget, the first programs to get cut are typically music or art.

Cutting music programs can be detrimental to the value of a student’s education. What a student loses from music education outweighs any money that the state may save. It’s worth examining the opportunities lost without these classes to understand what is at stake.

A Loss of Motivation

To some students, subjects like math and English seem daunting or tedious. Children sometimes have a hard time connecting to the material and end up dreading going to school. Music, however, can be a delightful subject for students and encourage their participation in class.

Music classes alone can motivate a child to get out bed in the morning and be excited to go to school. In fact, the National Association for Music Education found that schools with music programs have a higher attendance rate (93.3%), compared to schools without music programs (84.9%).

A Loss of Skill Enhancement

Music provides skills to students that are often overlooked. Providing music programs at school can help to accelerate brain development. Incorporating music into the curriculum helps to enhance a child’s overall educational experience and develop in academic, social and emotional growth.

When children are exposed to music, they are able to comprehend other subjects more easily. The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation states that learning how to play an instrument have improved mathematical learning as well as increased standardized test scores such as the SATs or ACTs. By taking away, these programs schools may see a decrease in standardized testings.

A Loss of Expression

Music is a very expressive form of art. Through music, students are able to express a large range of emotion. Without using words, you can convey a whole series of emotions.

The years during primary and secondary school is proven to be a pivotal time for youth to explore and form self-identity. At this time, students are facing their own hardships and personal issues making it crucial for students to have a proper outlet to let their voice be heard. Through music education, students can have a healthy outlet to express themselves. Without music programs, students may turn to more self-destructive outlets.

All in all, music education is more than just a class that checks off a box on a list of required courses. Providing music education in schools can motivate, increase valuable skills, and provide an outlet for expression. A math or science class does not allow the same type of fluid creativity that a music program can provide.

About the author: Lazar Finker is a Jacksonville-based entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist. Along with his wife, Raissa, Lazar founded the Finker-Frenkel Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to causes such as children's welfare, education, medical research, and religious development. He is also an avid violin player.