March is National Music in Our Schools Month, a time to celebrate how music education transforms the lives of students across the country. Across the country, music teachers, students, and advocates are joining together this month to spotlight all of the profound ways that music shapes young minds and enriches the classroom experience.
Music education goes beyond teaching students to play instruments or sing. Engaging in music helps to unlock creativity, sharpen cognitive skills, and strengthens social connections. It has proven to be an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum that nurtures young minds in ways no other subject can.
Music For The Classroom: How Music Impacts Learning and Engagement
Studies have shown that students involved in music education are more engaged in school and exhibit higher attendance rates. Participating in music helps students feel a stronger sense of belonging and boosts enthusiasm for learning. Teachers often notice that as more students take music classes, their overall effort and participation in school increases, creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
Cognitively, teaching music offers remarkable benefits. Research from Northwestern University shows that music can sharpen critical skills like memory, language development, and reading. The rhythm and auditory patterns of music train the brain to process sounds more effectively, paving the way for academic success.
According to PBS Kids, A 2007 study by Christopher Johnson, a professor of music education and therapy at the University of Kansas, found that elementary schools with high-level music programs saw their students score about 22% higher in English and 20% higher in math on standardized tests. What’s even more remarkable is that these results held true regardless of socioeconomic factors. Johnson explains that the focus and discipline students develop through music training are the same skills they need to excel in academics, showing just how interconnected music and learning really are.
In a 2004 study published in Psychological Science, E. Glenn Schellenberg from the University of Toronto found that six-year-olds who took weekly piano and voice lessons for nine months saw their IQs rise by an average of three points. Meanwhile, a second group that took drama lessons showed improvements in social behaviors, though not in IQ, and a third group with no lessons didn’t see the same benefits. It’s a clear reminder that music doesn’t just nurture creativity, it can give kids a cognitive boost, too.
Why Music Rooms Matter
Having dedicated spaces for music education is vital for the students to explore their creativity fully. Properly equipped rooms with instruments, good acoustics, and necessary tools provide an environment that nurtures their potential. Unfortunately, budget cuts often threaten these programs and the many benefits they offer.
That’s where initiatives like TeacherGiving come in. Platforms like this connect teachers with the community, allowing contributors to directly support music education by funding instruments, repairs, and other resources. This ensures that students can continue to experience the joy and learning that music brings, regardless of budget constraints.
The Bigger Picture: Why Music Education Matters
On a social and emotional level, teaching music helps students develop collaboration skills, perseverance, and discipline. Whether performing in a choir or learning an instrument, students develop teamwork and empathy as they work together to create harmony, both musically and interpersonally.
The benefits of music education extend far beyond the classroom. Students involved in music programs are more likely to graduate and pursue higher education. They also develop creativity, a skill that’s increasingly valued in today’s workforce, where employers seek innovative thinkers who can approach challenges from fresh perspectives.
Music also provides students with an emotional outlet. For many, the music room becomes a sanctuary where they can express themselves, process their emotions, and connect with others. Supporting music education isn’t just about teaching kids to play an instrument. It’s about giving them the tools to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
How TeacherGiving Empowers Communities
TeacherGiving makes it easy for communities to step up and support music education in meaningful ways. The platform connects teachers with the resources they need to bring creativity to life in their classrooms. No complicated grant applications — just a simple way for educators to share their stories and raise funds for essentials like instruments, sheet music, and even upgrades to their music rooms.
When you support music classrooms through TeacherGiving, the impact goes far beyond just covering costs. You’re helping create an environment where students can explore their creativity, discover new talents, and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Teachers also have the flexibility to shop wherever they want, including local stores, so every dollar goes further and supports the community.
And for contributors? It’s a transparent and secure process. You can see exactly how your contributions are being used, and you’ll know they’re going directly to verified educators who are making a difference.
Supporting music education isn’t just about providing supplies — it’s about empowering teachers and inspiring students. Together, we can make sure every classroom has the tools to unlock the transformative power of music.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, it is crucial to support music education in every school. It’s about more than teaching kids to play an instrument; it’s about fostering skills that last a lifetime, creating emotional growth, and preparing students for success in school, work, and life.
This National Music in Our Schools Month, let’s continue to recognize the transformative power of music education and commit to supporting programs that bring harmony and opportunity to every classroom.
Platforms like TeacherGiving make it easier than ever for communities to invest in the future of music education and support their local educators, making sure that every student has the chance to experience the joy and power of music. Together, we can make sure the music doesn’t stop.
