TN Musician Vol. 69 No. 1 (proof 4)

A two-year Swiss study involving 1,200 children in 50
schools showed that students involved in the music
program were better at languages, learned to read more
easily, showed an improved social climate, showed more
enjoyment in school, and had a lower level of stress than
non-music students.
-Weber, E.W., Spychiger, M. & Patry, J.L. (1993)
https://www.musicforall.org/who-we-are/advocacy/quick-facts
State-level arts spending dropped from $409 million in
fiscal year 2002 to 354.5 in fiscal year 2003 and declined
again to $272.4 million in 2004.
- National Assembly of State Arts Agencies https://www.musicforall.
org/who-we-are/advocacy/quick-facts
70% of those who were involved in music say that it was
at least somewhat influential in contributing to their current
level of personal fulfillment.
Harris Interactive Inc. (2008). MENC Executive Omnibus Results
Summary.
Federal funding for the arts and humanities rolls in
around $250 million a year, while the National Science
Foundation is funded around the $5 billion mark.
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-arts-education
VERBATIM
The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling—
training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at
once. Dedicated practice of this orchestration can have a great payoff for lifelong attention skills, intelligence,
and an ability for self-knowledge and expression.
From A User’s Guide to the Brain, May 31, 2003; Ratey, John J., MD
What is important is not how well a student plays but rather the simultaneous engagement of senses, muscles,
and intellect. … Can you think of better exercise for the mind/brain?
From “The Music in Our Minds,” Educational Leadership, Vol. 56, #3; Norman M. Weinberger
Tennessee Music Education Assocation | www.tnmea.org | 13