Boosts Academic Achievement

Fact: Students who participate in music score higher on standardized tests like the SAT.

College-bound seniors with music experience score 57 points higher in verbal and 43 points higher in math than their non-musical peers (College Board).

Improves Math and Language Skills

A study published in Nature (Schellenberg, 2004) found that music instruction improves mathematical skills.

In Psychology of Music (Forgeard et al., 2008) showed that children with musical training had better verbal memory and reading ability than those without.

Increases School Engagement and Attendance

A study by The National Endowment for the Arts (2012) found that low-income students highly involved in the arts were 5 times more likely to graduate high school and attend college than peers with low arts involvement.

According to the Arts Education Partnership, students involved in the arts—including band—are more likely to participate in school activities, have better attendance, and are more engaged in learning.

Scholarships

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) reports that many colleges and universities offer music scholarships for participation, even to non-music majors. These scholarships reward discipline, leadership, and long-term commitment—qualities developed through band participation.