Research: Exposure to Music Education Influences Future Opportunities

Music Education Brings Academic, Cognitive and Professional Benefits; Black and Brown Children Often Miss Out  

Music education benefits include teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, self-discipline. Image credit: PNW Production    

Music has always been a part of our daily lives and culture as people of the African Diaspora. Whether it be the dùndún of the Yoruba people of West Africa, the conga drum from the Afro Latin people of Cuba, or the turntables spun by pioneers from The Bronx that created the style we now know all over the world as hip-hop — music has always been an important part of uniting Black people and has had communal benefits.  However, although music is an integral part of our social and cultural lives, research shows that Black and Brown children tend to miss out on the cognitive benefits music delivers on developing minds in the form of music education. It is imperative to ensure that Black, Brown and poor students have the same access to music opportunities as their peers. Typically, they do not.  

Music Activities can Mean Higher Grades  

According to a recent research study by The University of British Columbia (UBC), students in 7th-12th grade that participate in music related activities scored higher in the subjects of math, science and English compared to the scores of their peers who did not participate in any music activities. The students were also one academic year ahead of the students who were nonmusical. Studies found that the influence of music training on academic statistics was consistent regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.  

Music can Boost not just Creativity, but also Critical Thinking and Self-Discipline  

In addition to academics, music education has collective benefits.  The New Jersey Council for Humanities found that other benefits include teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, social-emotional well-being and self-discipline. Music is an important aspect of offering students a wholistic education.  Unfortunately, some students encounter barriers to music education access. Studies show that students in schools concentrated in impoverished areas experience limited access to music education opportunities. In addition to this, The Arts Education Data Project reveals that Black, Hispanic and Native American students usually occupy areas that typically have limited or no music education. A disproportionate number of public-school students also experience these inequalities as opposed to students enrolled in private schools.  

How can parents ensure children have access to music: an important aspect of wholistic education?  Image credit: Sasha Kim  

Barriers Beginning at youth Pile up in the Classical Music Industry  

The disparities that start at the primary education level have longer term impacts that are also seen in the professional music industry. For starters, the barrier to entry into the classical music industry is high because of the high costs associated with it. This weeds out those who come from lower economic classes and cannot afford the instruments, lessons, auditions and travel that accompanies playing in an orchestra. The cost can be up to $1,000 per trip.  In 2023 The League of American Orchestras found that Black people represented just 2.4% of musicians in orchestras. For the small percentage of Black musicians in orchestras, there are a host of other concerns that cause them to not stay in the space as long as non-Black professionals.  

Black Musicians Create Professional Organizations to Combat Isolation    

Black musicians face feelings of ostracism and isolation, expecting to see no Black people in the sections or at the rehearsals. They also face misalignment with their institutions and many face institutional racism. Some musicians reported that orchestras maintain white supremacy that usually goes unaddressed. Many musicians proclaimed they do not see a long-term career for themselves in the space simply because they can’t imagine being “perpetually uncomfortable” says Katie Brown, who is a Black violist and the co-founder of the International Society for Black musicians. The significant challenges that Black musicians in the classical music industry face can be daunting and discouraging. However, there is hope because Black musicians have created organizations and groups like The Black Orchestral Network, The International Society for Black Musicians, The Gateways Music Festival, and the Sphinx Organization to support and develop fellow and emerging musicians while cultivating the community they have always desired.  

Even in Hip-Hop and R&B Top Leadership Doesn't Reflect Its Roots   

Contrary to what many people believe, statistics in the hip-hop and R&B field, two industries created by and dominated by Black people on the surface, are very similar. A study completed by Stacy L. Smith and the USC Anenberg Inclusion Initiative assessed the racial and gender demographics of almost 3,000 music executives from 37 companies. It was found that 84.2% of executives were white men, while just 7.9% were underrepresented racial groups and only 5.3% were women of color. It was also found that out of the professionals who are producers, only 6 were women of color.

The statistics on access to music education and representation in the professional music industry reveal a clear connection: early exposure to music significantly influences future opportunities in the field. When children have access to music education at a younger age, it can open doors to further musical development and career pathways. Alternatively, the lack of early access to music can limit their awareness of music as a viable and long-term career option.  

Music education has long term cognitive benefits, so if certain students are in neighborhoods, schools, and communities that lack access to music, they are at a disadvantage. Moreover, in many professional spaces there are large gaps in representation and white supremacy remains dominant. Issues such as lack of representation and mentorship, systemic barriers, concentration in certain genres, and pay disparities combine to exacerbate these inequalities.