ADMINISTRATOR LETTER #1: THE VALUE OF MUSIC LEARNINGDear (Appropriate Name):On

behalf of the students, parents and all those connected with our music program,
thank you for your support of the ARTS in our school curriculum. Music is thriving
at (name of school) and you play a vital role in our ongoing success.Music
develops the human mind and spirit; it allows us to express the inexpressible. As
stated by the Music Educator's National Conference, "No one can claim to be truly
educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts." In addition to the
aesthetic experience for every musician, participation in music also helps the
development of positive life-skills such as self-discipline, cooperation,
communication, adaptation and more. On yet another front, recent research points
to the power of music as it effects comprehensive test scores. For example: "A
recent study of an expansive U.S. Department of Education database of over one
thousand communities spanning the past decade showed that students who were
involved in the music and arts education by the tenth grade performed
significantly better on standardized tests, reading proficiency, and math
proficiency." 1 "Music students out-perform non-music students on achievement
tests in reading and math. Because of their study of music, their skills are
better at reading, anticipating, memory, listening, forecasting, recall, and
concentration.." 2Every student at (name of school) deserves a comprehensive
education. Music education should not be reserved for a few talented pupils, but
must be made available to our entire student body. Everyone can and will benefit
from the study of music.We will continue to keep you apprised of the latest data
about the impact of music learning. Thank you for making music a vital part of our
school community.Personal regards,Name of Director1. James S. Catterall,
"Different Ways of Knowing, 1991 - 94: Final Report," 1995. Based on data found in
"NELS:88, National Educational Longitudinal Study," published by U.S. Department
of Education.2. B. Friedman, "An Evaluation of the Achievement of Reading and
Arithmetic of Pupils in Elementary School Music Classes," Dissertation Abstracts
International 20(1959): 3662 - 3663.