Why should my child be involved in a musical ensemble? Why not an athletic team instead?

Actually, most educators advocate BOTH! But the evidence for scholastic achievement tied to musical achievement is unmistakable. A 2004 Stanford University study showed that mastering a musical instrument improves the way the human brain processes parts of spoken language.  Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), researchers also discovered that musical training helps the brain work more efficiently in distinguishing split-second differences between rapidly changing sounds that are essential to processing language.

"Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts.”

This is the opening statement of “The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles,” a document from the nation’s ten most important educational organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the National School Boards Association.