Music and Art are Part of the Bare Minimum.

Have you noticed that when schools need to cut costs, music and art programs often get the axe first? But cutting these programs does more than shrink opportunities to learn an artform; it takes away a crucial part of education that helps kids grow in so many ways beyond the basics.

When music and art disappear from our schools, we lose essential tools that help build our students' creativity, emotional intelligence, and social skills. These aren’t just nice extras—they’re crucial for helping kids thrive in today’s world, which prizes innovation and emotional smarts more than ever.

Here’s the thing: kids who get involved in music and art tend to do better in all their studies. They’re also more likely to land better jobs and become more active in their communities later. Plus, music and art are great at bringing people from different backgrounds together, giving students a chance to express themselves and learn about others.

From my days teaching music to my current role leading a nonprofit focused on music education, I’ve seen how powerful the arts can be. The improvement and happiness in students who engage with the arts are undeniable.

So, let’s stop treating music and art as just some optional extras that schools can do without. They’re vital for a well-rounded education and preparing kids for life, not just exams. It’s time we all support arts education as part of the bare minimum.

References

Eisner, E. W. (2002). The Arts and the Creation of Mind. Yale University Press.

Johnson, M. (2020). “The Role of the Arts in Improving Educational Outcomes.” Journal of Educational Research.

Smith, J. P. (2019). “Linking the Arts to Academic Success: A Study on the Impact of Arts Integration on Student Achievement.” Arts Education Policy Review.

Winner, E., Goldstein, T. R., & Vincent-Lancrin, S. (2013). Art for Art’s Sake? The Impact of Arts Education. OECD Publishing.