Why Music is ImportantMusic education is important for several different reasons. Music is a very valuable resource for students and teachers. Research has shown that music study improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading skills, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, and spatial reasoning skills (VH1 , 2003, para4). Music helps students achieve success in areas of intelligence. “Feis, Revecz, the Pannenborgs, Miller and others are unanimous in finding that musicality and high intelligence go hand in hand” (Mursell & Glenn, 1931, p. 20). Studies have shown that preschoolers who receive music and songs score on average 10 to 20 points higher than those who do not, and by the age of 15 they have better reading and math skills. Another study showed that students who took a music appreciation course scored 46 points higher on the math portion of the SAT, and students who had music performance experiences scored 39 points higher than students without any musical experience (Harvey, 1997, para 13). Music impacts most other areas of learning. “The area offering the greatest prospects for transfer from music seems to be that of language arts. » (Hoffer, 1983, p. 46) Music is said to help with concentration while reading. Music is an emotional memory aid, due to its use of rhythm, rhyme and melody. Music for young children helps them learn language through the rhythms and patterns involved in learning songs. Involving music in education can help develop oral language skills, listening skills and increased vocabulary. Music can aid in the understanding of language and basic facts (Dobbs, 1990, 341, 342). Students involved in music education were also shown......in the middle of the article......10, 2004 from http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/This is the website of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring music programs in schools and raising awareness of the importance of music in education.AMC- American Music Conference. (2004). Advocacy for music, supporting research, education and practice of music. Retrieved November 19, 2004 from http://www.amc-music.com/MENC- The National Association for Music Education (1991). Growing up complete: the imperative of music education: The report of the national commission on music education. Retrieved November 20, 2004 from http://www.menc.org/publication/articles/academic/growing.htmGoldwyn-Kingon, Jacqueline. (November 7, 2004). Beautiful music. The New York Times. Shollenberger, Kyle. (2004, November 28). A richer life thanks to music. Philadelphia Investigator.