The underfunding of music and art programs is a small piece of a larger problem that impacts millions of American schools. Each year, teachers and administrators go through the struggle of offsetting the impacts of education under-funding to create a better learning environment for students. However, budget cuts and under-funding often lead to a decrease in the number of teachers, causing classrooms to grow in size or simply disappear due to a shortage of teachers.
Sadly, music and art programs are the first on the chopping block when it comes to cutting funds. Since music programs are not required for all four years, it is considered less important when compared to the following basic courses: language, science, math, and English. Although a majority of students may not take music and art programs, they provide an outlet for music students during stressful times while remaining an educational experience.
Students in music and arts programs create a close-knit community. For most students, they have been in the same class with the same people for years. As a result, most befriend each other and create inseparable bonds with other classmates. Additionally, the music and art programs provide a unique environment for students to learn in. In other subjects, almost all students feel pressured to do better than their peers, resulting in intense and stressful competition.
In arts and music classes, however, students are taught to engage and interact with their peers. The quality of the band depends on every student, not just one section or individual. Every student is responsible for the band’s rhythm, tone, intonation, and balance of which can only be achieved by cooperating with each other. For example, in order for the band to be in tune, students have to adjust their pitch to each other and other sections as well.
A majority of the general public underestimates the educational use of learning music. Understanding how to read music is equivalent to learning a second language. Instead of using words to convey emotions, notes are used. More importantly, students are taught how to exercise their creativity which can be lost in lifeless worksheets. Each sheet of music has a story behind it, and it is up to the student on how it should be conveyed. They can add dynamics and stretch the tempo according to their interpretation. Contrary to popular belief, music and art programs are educational environments that are simply more enjoyable for students.
In summary, cutting music and art programs underestimates how they provide an unique sanctuary from a competitive learning environment and serve as a dynamic but educational experience.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Ellen Zhang of Churchill High School