Impact of Music Education on the Achievement Gap

by

by : 
Prahalad M.

Summary

Numerous studies have shown that students who learn musical instruments perform better at certain executive functioning tests. At the same time, schools in low-income neighborhoods are cutting their art and music programs due to a lack of funding. This research project aims to answer whether the disparity in access to music education between low-income and wealthy students affects the achievement gap.

Personal Statement

Music has always been an important part of my life, and I believe having the ability to play instruments has helped me in my day-to-day life as well. When I learned about how schools in low-income neighborhoods started eliminating their music programs, I instantly thought of the valuable experiences students at those schools were missing. Being in AAR gave me the opportunity to look deeper into the issue and the resources to do my part in fixing it. AAR allowed me to find a topic I am truly interested in and make a difference in the community.