Topsfield Educational Foundation

Music study reinforces and improves math and reading skills. Case study: In 1999 at PS in East Harlem, only 13% of the students performed at grade level in reading or math. Eighteen months after the music program was restored, 71% of the students were performing at grade level. The principal, Victor Lopes, attributes this astounding success to the restoration of the music program. By approaching reading and mathematics through a different medium (music), concepts are reinforced much more strongly than through a singular approach utilizing only traditional reading and math classes.

Music encourages divergent thinking. Music teaches students that there are many possible solutions to problems. Students are challenged to synthesize their own interpretations, compose their own songs, and even improvise melodies spontaneously. This creative thinking aids students' problem solving skills, whether it be with mathematical word problems, challenging established "truths" in science, or figuring out how to budget their money and manage their time.

Music develops the self-discipline that students need to become self-sufficient adults. Music requires consistent practice to achieve significant progress. Through practice, students learn to equate hard work with success. This work, done at home and generally without parental help, develops the responsibility that will help students take initiative to do their homework on their own, and eventually become self-sufficient adults.

Music builds community. The instrumental music program has become an important part of the Tops field community through its many public performances. Students annually give a concert for Tops field's seniors at a luncheon hosted at Proctor School. The band performs in the town's Memorial Day Parade each year. Students have also performed the National Anthem at school graduation ceremonies and at North Shore Spirit baseball games in Lynn, Massachusetts as part of "Tops field Night at the Spirit". These performances instill a sense of patriotism and community in our students.

Music develops self-confidence. There are a number of students who enjoy success in music that may have difficulty in the traditional classroom. This is because they have a higher musical aptitude than their aptitude for language, and logic-mathematics. In the era of No Child Left Behind, making instrumental music available to more students ensures that all children can succeed, not just those whose strengths lie in reading and math.