Page 13 - 2021-Mag-88-2

Viewpoint

Music Education and its Crucial Role in

Closing the Achievement Gap

By Valerie Vinnard

Music education is not just cute to have in the curriculum; it is essential for every
student in prekindergarten through Grade 12 in every school worldwide. Access
to such arts education is vital, whether through distance learning or in person. Too
often, music education programs are seen as extra-curricular and are underfunded
or cut due to budget-allocation decisions or to provide more time to focus on
standardized test subjects such as math and English. Why? Music education offers
health benefits and literacy benefits, helps to reduce chronic absenteeism, aids in
closing the achievement gap, and contributes to STEAM and computer science
programs that lead to jobs for tomorrow.
As a National Board Certified Teacher steeped in the standards of what
effective music educators should know and be able to do in their classrooms,
I believe it is my duty and responsibility to advocate for and to shed light on
the importance of a high-quality music education for all students. According to
Americans for the Arts (2021), students who participate in music and arts education
in schools are five times more likely to graduate, three times more likely to receive
a bachelor’s degree, and four times more likely to be recognized for academic
achievement than students not participating in arts education activities. Due to the
pandemic in 2021 and the reponsive Elementary and Secondary School Emergency
Relief (ESSER) Fund, districts across the country have extra money. Why not
allocate those assets toward music education?

Music Education and Health Benefits
A great need exists for mental health and healing at this time. With the effects
of the pandemic still prevalent, many people are suffering; some have lost their
jobs, homes, and—most tragic of all—loved ones to this virus. If this public health
crisis were not enough, the killing of George Floyd and
discussions of systemic racism have retraumatized, upset,
and angered people not only in the United States but all over
the world. In particular, members of specific races and ethnic
groups in communities have become frightened by recent
and past events, creating a greater need for ways to cope and
promote wellness. Children need to feel safe, valued, and
respected. Otherwise, no learning is going to occur.
Musical activities have a distinctive ability to lower
anxiety and decrease psychosocial difficulties such as
depression and stress. In my experience, students who
participate in music classes can relax as they explore and
create during their musical learning. The children develop
camaraderie as they joyfully participate in social-emotional
learning activities. A student may have difficulties in other
subject areas from time to time but has the opportunity to

Collegial Exchange · 11