Given reductions in funding for many public elementary schools, a notable cut has been in providing music programs.  This is a serious and unfortunate situation.  The importance of music in cognitive development cannot be overstated.  Here are some ways in which music plays a major role.

1. Language – A number of recent studies suggests that our brains process music and language in similar ways. Therefore training in music can have important benefits for language related skills.  In a 2005 study at Stanford University, researchers found that mastering a musical instrument improved the way in which the brain processes parts of a spoken language.  The study concludes that those students who are struggling with language and reading skills could significantly benefit from musical training.
2. Musical training has been found to enhance memory.  A study made in 2003 by researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong found that children who received musical training showed superior verbal memory than those who did not receive musical training.  Essentially memorizing music helps children to remember lots of other important things they experience and learn.
   It was shown that playing music requires the brain to solve the problem of how to allocate attention and memory to a variety of complex tasks.
3. Math – Reading a simple piece of music or even beating a drum in time to music requires mathematical processes.  A study by The Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada found that arts education helped students to perform significantly higher on mathematical tests than did students with no artistic training.
4. The study of music helps young students become more self aware rather than strictly relying on external rewards.  Music can provide its own motivation and satisfaction for achieving goals or progress.  The skills required to play an instrument well can provide instant feedback and ultimate gratification for a job well done.  Young students can become critics of their own work and encourage them to strive for excellence in everything they do.
5. Social Skills – The benefits of music education go well beyond just that of mastering a skill.  Children who participate in music education typically do so in a group setting.  For example they may play in a band or orchestra.  A successful result depends on the children cooperating and working together.  They learn important social and bonding skills which will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
6. Academic Success – Given the benefits and improvements shown in language development, math, memory and self assessment, it should come as no surprise that there is very strong correlation between music education and academic success.  A number of studies have shown that students in music programs score higher in English and math on the SAT than students who had no musical training at all.  It was even found in a study from 1994 that music majors had the highest acceptance rate in medical school.
7. It has also been shown that students with music training tend to rank higher in terms of long term success than students without musical training.  A 2007 Harris poll found that nearly nine out of ten people with post graduate education had taken some type of music training while in school.  It was also found that high school students who participated in band or orchestra had the lowest reported incidence of drug and alcohol use over their lifetime.

So for elementary students who need the all important start to a fulfilling and successful life, music education is essential and must be offered if at all possible one way or the other.