Many Schools From Elementary To University Have Cut Funds

Many Schools From Elementary To University Have Cut Fund

Many schools, from elementary to university, have cut funding and programs in music and the arts. As mentioned in your text, “…Plato considered music an essential part of the education of all citizens.”

Part I: Do you agree or disagree with Plato and why? (Please explain your answer.)

Part II: Give an example of where music played a role in or impacted your education.

Paper For Above instruction

Music and arts education have long been recognized as vital components of holistic development, fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. Historically, educational philosophies have emphasized the importance of integrating music into curricula. One notable proponent was Plato, who considered music an essential part of the education of all citizens. In his work "The Republic," Plato argued that music played a crucial role in shaping character and moral virtue, asserting that exposure to noble melodies could cultivate harmony within the soul and foster civic virtues. I agree with Plato because music’s capacity to influence emotions and moral development is well-documented, and excluding it from education deprives students of a vital means for emotional expression and cultural understanding.

From a personal perspective, I have experienced firsthand the impact of music on my educational journey. During my high school years, participating in the school choir not only enhanced my musical skills but also improved my confidence and teamwork abilities. The collaborative process of rehearsing and performing taught me discipline and responsibility. Moreover, the emotional resonance of singing and listening to diverse musical styles expanded my cultural awareness and empathy. These experiences have underscored the importance of music in education, aligning with Plato’s view that music contributes significantly to character development and societal cohesion.

In recent times, many schools have cut funding for music and arts programs due to budget constraints or shifting priorities toward standardized testing and core subjects like math and language arts. Such cuts threaten the comprehensive development that arts education fosters. Research indicates that engagement with arts enhances academic performance, social-emotional skills, and critical thinking. For instance, a study by the Arts Education Partnership (2018) found that students involved in arts programs show higher test scores and better attitudes toward school. The absence of arts in education not only limits creative expression but also diminishes opportunities for students to develop essential life skills.

Therefore, I believe that integrating music and arts into education is fundamental. These disciplines nurture not just artistic abilities but also social and emotional competencies that are vital for personal and societal well-being. Educators and policymakers should prioritize arts education to ensure that students receive a balanced and enriching education that prepares them for diverse challenges in life and society.

References

• Arts Education Partnership. (2018). The arts and success in school. Washington, D.C.: Arts Education Partnership.
• Jorgenson, D. (2020). The role of music in emotional development. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(2), 345-359.
• Leahy, J. (2017). The importance of arts education in the 21st century. Arts Education Policy Review, 118(4), 186-192.
• Plato. (c. 380 B.C.E.). The Republic. Translated by G.M.A. Grube. Hackett Publishing.
• Simpson, M. (2019). Creativity and curriculum: The importance of music education. International Journal of Arts Education, 7(1), 25-40.
• Sloboda, J. A., & Davidson, J. W. (Eds.). (2018). The social significance of music. Oxford University Press.
• Thompson, W. F., & Schellenberg, E. G. (2017). Music and emotion: Psychological perspectives. Music Perception, 34(2), 1-8.
• Varnum, M. E. W., & Kitayama, S. (2019). The cultural neuroscience of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(4), 225-236.
• Weisberg, R. W., et al. (2019). Creativity in education: The role of arts. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(3), 439-452.
• Winner, E., & Hetland, L. (2019). The arts and academic achievement: What the research tells us. Arts Education Policy Review, 120(3), 164-174.