Why Music Matters

Music has been called the universal language of humanity. It transcends cultural divides, bridges generations, and connects us in ways words often cannot. Yet beyond its beauty and emotional power, music education plays a profound role in shaping the academic, social, and personal development of young people. As schools grapple with limited budgets and shifting priorities, music often finds itself on the chopping block. But make no mistake: removing or reducing music programs in our schools undermines the very foundation of a holistic education.

From the earliest years of life, children are wired for music. Studies show that infants recognize rhythmic patterns before they can speak, and toddlers naturally respond to melodies with movement and joy. When these instincts are nurtured in structured classroom settings—starting in preschool and continuing through elementary school—children develop not only musical skills, but also cognitive and social capacities that ripple outward into every subject area. Music is not an “extra”; it is an essential foundation.

Research continues to affirm what many educators and parents have long observed: music education enhances brain development. Children engaged in consistent music training demonstrate stronger neural processing of speech and language, leading to improved reading skills, better memory, and stronger focus in the classroom. When schools prioritize music, they’re also prioritizing literacy and communication skills.

The benefits extend far beyond academics. Participation in school music ensembles fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership. A student in a choir learns how to blend their voice with others, listening carefully and adjusting for the greater good of the group. A young instrumentalist in a band learns perseverance through practice, resilience when mistakes happen, and the joy of achieving collective success in performance. These are the very skills employers seek in the 21st-century workforce—collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

Middle school, in particular, is a turning point. During these often turbulent years, music can become a lifeline for students navigating identity, social pressures, and academic challenges. For many, music provides belonging, purpose, and a safe outlet for self-expression when other parts of life feel uncertain.

Despite this wealth of evidence, the arts remain vulnerable. In times of financial strain, districts frequently reduce music programs, viewing them as luxuries rather than essentials. Yet schools with strong arts programming report higher attendance rates, stronger test scores, and improved community engagement. Cutting music is not a cost-saving measure; it is an investment loss in our students’ futures.

We must also consider the equity dimension. Families with resources often provide private lessons, instruments, or extracurricular opportunities for their children. But for many students, the school music program is their only access to quality music education. When we cut these programs, we disproportionately harm students from low-income households, widening opportunity gaps and silencing potential voices before they ever get the chance to sing.

Music also matters for mental health—a need that has only grown more urgent in recent years. Arts engagement reduces stress and anxiety, while promoting emotional regulation and resilience. In a classroom climate where anxiety, depression, and isolation are rising among young people, music can literally be a lifeline. Singing in a choir, playing in a band, or moving together in a music classroom reminds students that they are not alone.

Some may argue that in an era dominated by STEM education, music simply doesn’t fit. But in reality, music fuels STEM success. The discipline required to master an instrument mirrors the persistence needed in scientific research. The rhythmic patterns of music support mathematical reasoning. The creative thinking sparked in improvisation mirrors the innovation we seek in engineering and technology. STEM without the arts—STEAM—leaves out a crucial catalyst for imagination and discovery.

The bottom line is this: music is not an accessory to education, but a foundation of it. From boosting literacy to cultivating emotional well-being, from fostering collaboration to inspiring creativity, music shapes well-rounded, resilient, and capable students. If schools neglect this truth, we risk raising generations deprived of essential tools for growth.

That is why I am committed to advocating for the arts, both in my own classroom and across the wider community. We cannot afford to let music fade from our schools. The stakes are too high, and the evidence is too clear. Music matters—not just for those who will go on to perform on stage, but for every child who deserves the chance to discover their voice, their rhythm, and their song.

Talk soon!

Musically Yours,

Mr. Wagner