Music contributes to higher learning

Music classes in schools are usually referred to as "extracurricular" classes. However, these classes prove to be anything but "extra."These classes often give indispensable benefits to students. Performance programs enhance a student's sense of self esteem as well as their social skills. Not only do students profit socially from music programs, but they also gain academically.
        Several studies have shown that music enhances learning through increased spatial development. Math and reading are improved by learning rhythms and decoding notes and symbols which means there is cross disciplinary learning in music.
        Most teachers are often against a music pullout program (students are taken out of class to receive music instruction once or twice a week) because they fear "lost instruction" time.
        Researchers in Hamilton, Ohio, documented that students participating in a string pullout program scored higher on the reading, mathematics and citizenship portions of the Ohio Proficiency Test (OPT), than their non-music peers.  68% of string students scored at grade level or higher on all four sections of the test compared to 58% of the non-music students.
       Music is not only a gateway to personal freedom, but is also a contributor to academic success.