Benefits of Playing in Orchestra

1. Benefits of Playing in Orchestra

2. Intrinsic Value of Music Musicians are passionate. We LOVE to play! Music is living history. Constantly exposed to great wealth of classical literature. Music is therapeutic. Playing music is a beautiful way of expressing emotion.

3. Did you know? Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are: 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

4. Did you know? Young artists, as compared with their peers, are likely to: Attend music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently Read for pleasure nearly twice as often Perform community service more than four times as often 78% of Americans feel learning a musical instrument helps students perform better in other subjects.

5. Did you know? In a review of many studies, the “Mozart-effect” was found valid and important for educators in an unexpected way. The positive effect of listening to Mozart’s and other’s, music on spatial reasoning (mentally visualizing, moving and relating objects without any present) helps contradict some current ideas about learning that consider different learning functions in the brain to be distinct and unconnected. The “Mozart-effect” shows that areas of the brain used for spatial reasoning are also used for processing music.

6. Music Affects Math and Reading… First and second year string students’ standardized math and reading test scores are higher than the general student population in suburban, urban, and rural schools.

7. Musical Training & Language/Reading Skills Research suggests that musical training may play a role in improving language and literacy skills. Study shows that musical training changes the neural network involved with brain areas traditionally associated with language processing. While more research is still needed, this finding can lead to important breakthroughs for children struggling with dyslexia.

8. Music and Brain Research A student making music experiences the “simultaneous engagement of senses, muscles, and intellect. Brain scans taken during musical performances show that virtually the entire cerebral cortex is active while musicians are playing.” Different areas of the brain perform different functions from directing movement, to thinking, to feeling, to remembering including many sub-regions within those areas that relate to more specialized activities. Making music engages, and is increasingly seen to strengthen, a vast array of brainpower.

9. Cognitive Benefits of Music Playing a musical instrument has cognitive benefits. A Stanford study has found that musical training improves how the brain processes spoken word – this could lead to improving the reading ability of children who have dyslexia and other reading problems. An increasing number of studies focusing on participation in musical activities and cognitive development in mathematics suggest that the two are closely related. Music at the basic level shows the obvious connection between music and mathematics.

10. Music & Grade Point Average (GPA) In 2005 test-taking College-Bound Seniors, those with an average of 2 years of study in Arts and Music, had significantly higher GPAs in each subject than those students who did not. This trend continues with each additional year of study in arts and music. High school music students have been shown to hold higher grade point averages (GPA) than non-musicians in the same classes. The serious study of music has been demonstrated to complement other areas of academic study.

11. Music & SAT Scores Music students have significantly higher SAT scores than the average student population. String students have the highest scores among all music students. There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts. Middle school and high school students who participated in instrumental music performances scored significantly higher than their non-musician peers in standardized tests. A study tracked DOE Database of 25,000 students for more than 10 years - found that students who reported consistently high levels of involvement with instrumental music scored significantly higher on Standardized, Reading, Math, History, Geography, and Citizenship tests by 12th grade - regardless of socio-economic status. Those from lower socio-economic status showed greatest gains.

12. Music and Graduation Honors Most high school string/orchestra teachers report that their string students are in the Top 10% of their graduating class. Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.

13. Music Teaches Vital Work Force Skills Teamwork Learn to work cooperatively to achieve a common goalSelf-Discipline Daily practice sessions help reinforce this skillResponsibility Students learn time managementCommitment Over two-thirds of students who begin playing string instruments in elementary schools continue to participate through high school

14. Businesses understand that arts education . . . • builds a school climate of high expectation, discipline and academic rigor that attracts businesses relocating to your community • strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success • helps students develop a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting – skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond • can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning • provides another opportunity for parental, community, and business involvement with schools, including arts and humanities organizations • helps all students develop more appreciation and understanding of the world around them • helps students develop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done

15. Leadership in Music Approximately 50% of string/orchestra members are: School leaders in classes and activities Members of academic honors groups The majority of string students enroll in college

16. Music Affects Life Choices Are emotionally healthier, and have a stronger ability to concentrate and study than their non-music peers. Music students have less lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs than non-music students. Students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among any group in our society.

17. Music builds character Students that participate in music classes are less likely to be disruptive students in class. Among minority students, more identify their music teacher as role models than any other subject area. These students demonstrate higher self esteem than their counterparts. 71% of Americans surveyed by the Gallup Poll believe that teenagers who play an instrument are less likely to have disciplinary problems. With music in schools, students connect to each other better—greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm. Nine out of ten adults and teenagers who play instruments agree that music making brings the family closer together.

18. …and ALL Areas of Academic Study String students at all school levels academically outperform their non-string peers.

19. Additional Music Advocacy Resources American Music ConferenceAmerican String Teachers AssociationAmerican Symphony Orchestra LeagueChildren’s Music WorkshopEarly Music AmericaMENC: National Association for Music EducationNational Association of Music MerchantsSupportMusic.com