[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC EDUCATION IN CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

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                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 1996

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the important 
link between music and the brain--more specifically, how music makes us 
smarter. This is a timely subject as States and localities throughout 
the country are evaluating and reforming their education systems, and 
as we, at the Federal level, are determining funding priorities for 
education programs. In each case, the goal will be to ensure the 
highest academic achievement. Music is essential for making that goal a 
reality.
  My hometown of Nashville, TN, is known as Music City, USA. 
Nashvillians are exposed to all types of music every day, and 
consequently, we have an inherent sense of the beneficial and profound 
impact that music has on our lives. But the impact extends far beyond 
making us feel good. We now have scientific evidence that instructing 
children in music leads to dramatically improved math and complex 
reasoning skills, in addition to the discipline and sense of self worth 
that we all know music provides. This research is described in the 
February 19, 1996, issue of Newsweek magazine. I recommend the article 
to parents, educators, Members of Congress, and anyone else who cares 
about the education and development of our children.

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