Music education is a powerful tool that shapes students’ lives, providing them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. It fosters creativity, enhances cognitive development, and builds emotional resilience, making it a vital part of a well-rounded education. For many students, music class is the highlight of their day—the one place where they feel truly connected, supported by their peers, and free to express themselves. In a world where so many young people are searching for meaning and connection, music provides a lifeline—helping students discover their strengths, build resilience, and find joy in learning.
Music programs also help students forge meaningful relationships, creating a sense of community and belonging. In fact, 85% of Music Will students report forming strong social bonds through our music program, demonstrating its power to connect and uplift students. It offers a break from daily stresses and social media pressures, allowing them to focus on something joyful and fulfilling. Something we often hear from our students is that music class is the reason they get up and go to school each day. It’s no surprise, then, that schools that prioritize music education have higher attendance rates than those without music programs (National Association for Music Education).
Music Education and Academic Success
Music education not only keeps kids coming back to school, but it also lays the groundwork for their academic success by fostering critical thinking, improving literacy and math skills, and increasing graduation rates. Research consistently shows that students engaged in music education outperform their peers academically. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who participated in music programs scored significantly higher in math, science, and English than those who did not (APA), suggesting that music education improves all-around academic achievement and helps students learn more holistically in schools.
Music training also enhances cognitive functions, improves memory, and strengthens problem-solving skills, making it a valuable tool for academic success. Studies have found that children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not participate in music lessons (Arete Music Academy via NAMM Foundation). Additionally, children who received music lessons over the course of a school year tested, on average, three IQ points higher than those who did not receive music instruction (Psychological Science).
Beyond academic achievement, music education also plays a crucial role in student engagement and retention. Schools with music programs not only see improved academic performance but also experience higher graduation rates. In fact, schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate, compared to just 72.9% in schools without them (National Association for Music Education).
Music Education Supports Mental Health
With increasing demands on students and growing concerns about mental health, ensuring access to quality music education is more important than ever. Rates of childhood and adolescent depression and anxiety are at unprecedented levels, leaving many students struggling with self-esteem and well-being. Now, more than ever, we must recognize the essential role music plays in supporting students’ mental health, fostering resilience, and creating a sense of belonging. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021—a nearly 40% increase from a decade earlier (CDC). Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has even dubbed young people born after 1995 “The Anxious Generation” as the mental health crisis reaches new heights.
But there is hope: studies show that learning to play an instrument can offer a powerful way to build confidence and improve mental health outcomes. Through music programs, adolescents may regulate and work through emotions and engage in identity work, developing positive views of themselves and their future (Frontiers in Psychology). Furthermore, research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicates music education leads to enhanced well-being and emotional stability among students (USC).
The Science & Cognitive Benefits of Music Education
Learning to play an instrument or engage in musical activities stimulates brain development in ways few other subjects can. Research shows that music education improves executive function, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, all of which contribute to academic and professional success. Children who receive musical training demonstrate improved verbal memory, enhanced motor skills, better reading ability, and stronger executive functions. Additionally, neuroscience research suggests that learning music strengthens the corpus callosum, the structure connecting the brain’s two hemispheres, enhancing communication between them and improving cognitive abilities (Frontiers in Neuroscience). This indicates that music education can literally shape a child’s brain early in life, increasing brain power and creating neural changes that persist long into adulthood (The Journal of Neuroscience).
Addressing Inequities in Music Education
Today, over 3.6 million students do not have access to music education in school, according to The Arts Education Data Project. The data also reveal that a disproportionate number of public school students without access to music and arts education are concentrated in major urban communities and are either majority Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Additionally, thirty-two states report critical music teacher shortages, with projections estimating a cumulative shortage of 200,000 educators in 2025 (K-12 Dive).
That’s why Music Will is dedicated to expanding access to music programs in these communities, where the need is greatest. By providing resources, instruments, and training to schools that need them most, we’re not just filling a gap; we’re leveling the playing field and offering students the same opportunities to develop creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence through music education. Our programs provide engaging, culturally responsive music education resources, teacher training, and instruments to schools across the country. By expanding music programs in underserved communities and increasing participation rates in schools, we are helping students build confidence, express themselves creatively, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
The Urgency of Music Education Today
Despite its proven benefits, music education is often the first program to face budget cuts in schools. This is especially concerning in underserved communities, where access to music programs can be life-changing. Now more than ever, we must advocate for music education to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience its benefits. Investing in music education is an investment in the future of our communities—helping to cultivate the next generation of creative, resilient, and innovative leaders.
You can take action now by supporting policies that fund school music programs, advocating for equitable access to music education, or sharing your personal story of how music education impacted your life in our #MusicStartsHere campaign celebrating Music In Our Schools Month® in March. Whether through supporting music nonprofit organizations, local schools, or engaging with policymakers, every effort makes a difference. By volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading the word about the importance of music education, you can help ensure that all students have access to the benefits of music. Together, we can create a future where music remains a vital part of every child’s education, empowering them to thrive in school and beyond.
