Music and the arts have long been debated topics within the education system, with many opponents to the requirement of these courses claiming that there is little benefit. However, many recent studies have found that there are a variety of benefits that can be gained from a musical education.
One recent study found that a music education can help students not only improve their test scores but help their development in other skills. In kids ages two to nine there have been linkages found between the area of the brain that is stimulated by music to the part of the brain that controls language development. This linkage can also be demonstrated in older students, with children who had access to music education programs in elementary school scoring 22 percent higher on English standardized tests and 20 percent higher on math standardized tests.
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Beyond the benefits in the classroom, a music education can help students in their everyday lives. Music provides students with a method of self-expression, boosting not only their creativity levels but also providing a method to relieve stress. This stress relief can help students to focus better on tasks without having to worry about burnout.