Kaitlyn Pleasants

ENC 3331
Professor Wright
Analysis of Problem: Music Education
Lack of Music Education Is a Problem
The average American remembers the great recession of 2008 that required
a bail out. Id like to think of school budgeting that acts in the exact same way this
historical and political move happened just six years ago. When a budget is faced
with a deficit or a need of changes, something must be omitted. Every year, school
districts are given a set amount of funds that is towards students education. The
school board decides on how much money goes to what subjects and how. When
there is a deficit, it is proven time and time again that arts education is the first to be
cut in favor of language arts, mathematics and science education courses.
This should not be a surprise to any modern student. Students are constantly
told that the arts are useless, even to the point that majoring in the humanities and
fine arts in college is considered laughable and not lucrative. However, studies show
that arts education, specifically music education helps students in enriching their
education and helping with skills in content retention, time management,
confidence and creativity skills. Not having an outlet that not only helps students
become more comfortable and creative within their own potential but also proves
as an asset in helping them in core coursework and prepares them to be a more well
rounded individual that is ready for college.

In addition, music education allows students to explore a subject that they

are interested in, as no one student likes the same genre of music. Setting goals of
learning a scale or exercising memory exercises to remember a song or a new
instrument fingering teaches students to actively use their brain beyond classroom
activities.
Dwindling Music Education Equals Dwindling Potential
Students today live in a digital age. This means that there is information that
can be accessed than ever before. With the amount of money that spent on giving
students the best equipment to learn their studies, the same should be done for
their intellectual span.
According to SavetheMusic.com, students who learn an instrument use more
brainpower than those who do not. Students who learn an instrument have more
memorization skills, self-confidence and discipline than those who do not. A
students potential instantly rises when they are allowed the chance to have a
creative outlet supplementing their education. Brainpower is needed to study for
tests, learn new theories and concepts and memorize information. All of these traits
are taught when a student learns an instrument.
The Root Cause
Most issues within budget constraints come from the government. Every
year, the school board is allotted funds that are to be divided out in different sectors,
including school nutrition, physical education, language education and more. When
looking at the current Orange County School Board budget, music education isnt

listed, which one can draw the conclusion that music education is not even
considered. This is where the problem lies.
Recent studies have shown that school districts pay more attention to
examinations that students must take. Examples include the EOC (End of Course)
exam, the FCAT and even AP testing. These scores, the higher the better, reflect on
schools overall rank within their district. By focusing solely on test scores, students
are hindered from their full potential; they are forced to learn subjects that will
produce good or satisfactory test scores.
When music education is cut, students take a hit to their skills. Studies have
shown that students have an increase in motivational skills, confidence, time
management and memory skills when they have a chance to pick up an instrument
to learn. Learning an instrument is much like learning another language: it takes
practice, patience and dedication. When learning subjects in school, students must
do the same in order to gain good grades. Thus, learning music and learning core
subjects go hand in hand. In addition, having a creative outlet allows students to
have a more rounded and functional education than one that is rigorous and one
sided. Recent studies on college acceptances states that colleges look for the wellrounded student, one who has a fair share of extra curricular activities as well as
maintaining an above average GPA. Having the discipline to keep with an instrument
or playing in band, singing in choir or having an independent study in music shows
outside artistic interests that help the student develop as they go through their
formative years.

Steadily every year, music education has been moving out of the picture. I
think that fighting to save music education within the Orange County School District
is a step in the right direction and can set precedence for counties across Florida
that can later bleed into the rest of the United States.
The Parties Involved
Every student is involved in this civic issue, but my specific target are public
school students. In private education, ____ of private schools offer music and arts
program in addition to core courses. With public schools, school board officials,
teachers and parents vote on what is included in a childs education and what isnt.
It is public money.
School board members, teachers and PTA members are those who have the
power to change