Music EducationFriedrich Nietzsche once said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Music is almost as old as the human race and is as integral a part of it as anything else. So why would we choose to get rid of it? A growing number of schools across the country are deciding to eliminate music education programs. This includes band, orchestra, choir and general music lessons. In 1991, 55.4 percent of eighth grade students in public schools took part in music lessons at school. In 2004, this figure was only 49.1 percent. Money plays a huge role in this statistic: “…when funds are tight, arts classes are usually the first to be cut from the school curriculum” (“Arts Education”). Although many argue that music education is an unnecessary cost to schools, it improves the overall well-being of students. The academic benefits of music education are immense. In a study led by Shirley Brice Heath, a researcher at Stanford University and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, students who had at least three hours of arts participation, three days a week for at least a year, were four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement (Ford, AdamMcMahon, Maureen). Music students excel in core subjects such as mathematics, English and science. In 1997, the College Board produced a study revealing that students with at least four years of music education scored an average of 49 points higher on the verbal section of the SAT and 34 points higher on the math section ("Art Education "). These days, it's the difference between being accepted to a college or not. Music education enhances creativity and better behavior in children. Playing notes on the page is one thing, but playing beyond that, to express the m...... middle of paper......did you know until they tried it? “Given the opportunity, every human being is a musician, at some level” (“EDITORIAL”). Music education plays a huge role in the overall well-being of the student, although it exceeds the costs. In 1994, Congress passed the Improving America's Schools Act, concluding that "...the arts are forms of understanding and ways of knowing that are fundamentally important to education" (Ford, AdamMcMahon, Maureen). Congress recognized the importance of music education. We must now make efforts to make a difference. If people truly want the best for the future, music education is essential. Ramon Cortines, former chancellor of New York City Public Schools, said, “We are committed to the arts, we must teach the arts, because that is part of what it means to be human” (“Arts Education”). When people finally realize this, the benefits will be immense..