In recent years, many U.S. schools have drastically reduced or eliminated music programs to focus more heavily on math and science, citing fears that America’s international education rankings are slipping. But a closer look at the data challenges this narrative.
According to the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the countries that consistently lead global academic rankings — like Japan, Hungary, and the Netherlands — also place a strong emphasis on music education. In other words, the world’s best education systems don’t cut music; they invest in it.
Further, scholar Tom Loveless of the Brookings Institution points out that the idea of America’s “decline” is a myth. In his Brown Center Report on American Education, Loveless explains:
“The United States never led the world. It was never No. 1 and has never been close to No. 1 on international math tests. Or on science tests, for that matter.”
(Source: “The Truth in Education: U.S. Was Never No. 1” by Jay Mathews, Washington Post, February 23, 2011)
While this isn’t exactly good news, it offers important context. The U.S. has still achieved remarkable political, economic, and cultural success despite middling international math and science scores.
Even more compelling: research consistently shows that students involved in music education perform better academically across the board, including on standardized tests like the SAT. Cutting music programs to “boost academics” is not just misguided — it’s counterproductive.
Music education belongs in our schools. Let’s make sure decision-makers know the facts and advocate for the arts as a vital part of every child’s education.
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