America's Reading Crisis Is Also a Case for Music Education | Opinion
Summary
Reading scores among U.S. eighth graders have dropped in recent years, raising concerns about children’s learning skills. Research shows that music education can support brain development and help children improve attention, memory, and creativity, but music programs are often cut when school budgets shrink.Key Facts
- The average reading score for eighth graders in 2024 fell by 2 points from 2022 and 5 points from 2019.
- Lower reading scores suggest challenges in children’s attention, information processing, and applying knowledge.
- Music engages many brain areas, including those for hearing, movement, memory, and emotion.
- Listening to and making music helps children predict patterns, coordinate skills, and express creativity.
- Music training can improve executive functions like self-control and problem-solving.
- Children learn through play, and music can hide learning opportunities inside enjoyable activities.
- Despite benefits, arts and music programs are often the first cuts when school budgets get tight.
- A 2026 review noted positive links between music training and brain skills but said more research is needed.
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