Alexis Kalivretenos Importance Of Music Education Summary

The article The Importance of Music Education written by Alexis Kalivretenos, a trumpet player with a Bachelors Degree in music education from the University of Maryland, is a compelling article that argues the importance of keeping music in the core curriculum of education systems across the nation. Kalivertenos uses a combination of ethos pathos and logos to argue that music should not only be kept in the curriculum but actually benefits the other subjects in the curriculum. Kalivertenos states that music has always taken a back seat to other core subjects such as math and reading. She backs this up with a ten-year study of high school students which states “students in music classes receive higher scores on standardized tests than students with little to no musical involvement.” (Kalivretenos). She states that this is important because our school systems are leaning more and more heavily on standardized testing scores. This logical argument effectively shows the benefits that schools can reap from the music system. The logical arguments continue with a hint of ethics by the use of a definition of what are to be considered core academic subjects made by the no child left behind act which are the following: “English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, the arts [emphasis added], history, and geography” (Kalivretenos). She points out that music is a part of the arts but it is not being treated as such, as shown by the fact that music of often last to be added to a curriculum and first to be cut. Kalivretenos argues that music students are more likely to be successful in the workforce. She makes this claim by explaining that music helps with leadership skills, creativity, determination, and perseverance among other things. She backs these claims with statements from the Backstreet Boys, Lichtenberg, Woock, and Wrigone from the arts education partnership, as well as music students. One student stated that “I have gained confidence in my leadership skills through conducting the Concert Band” (Kalivretenos). Kalivretenos says that this is only one of the numerous ways that band helps students with leadership skills. She also states that teamwork skills are improved through desire to not bring the rest of the band down by an individuals lack of practice. These examples of emotional and logical arguments result in a very compelling case for the need of a music program in student life. A study referenced by Kalivetenos found that students who participate in music were more cooperative, self-confident and can more readily express themselves. She states that these benefits help students be successful in …show more content…
Her arguments speak to everyone. She has logical arguments for school boards that need convicing that music is worth there money. She has emotional arguments for parents that need to know why their children are spending hours and hours of free time at school working with the band. She has ethical arguments for the public of citizens concerned about the wellbeing of the youth in their community. Not only all this but she also gives a voice to the thousands of music students that already knew all these things but don’t have a way to bring them up to the people around them. Music really does have innumerable benefits that can’t all be seen, but can definitely be felt by those