[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H805-H808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE BENEFITS AND IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-BASED MUSIC EDUCATION

  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 45) recognizing the 
benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 45

       Whereas school music programs enhance intellectual 
     development and enrich the academic environment for students 
     of all ages;
       Whereas students who participate in school music programs 
     are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol 
     and have better attendance in school;
       Whereas the skills gained through sequential music 
     instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, 
     solve problems, communicate, and work cooperatively, are 
     vital for success in the 21st century workplace;
       Whereas the majority of students attending public schools 
     in inner city neighborhoods have virtually no access to music 
     education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to 
     their peers in other communities;
       Whereas local budget cuts are predicted to lead to 
     significant curtailment of school music programs, thereby 
     depriving millions of students of an education that includes 
     music;
       Whereas the arts are a core academic subject, and music is 
     an essential element of the arts;
       Whereas every student in the United States should have an 
     opportunity to reap the benefits of music education; and
       Whereas NAMM, the International Music Products Association, 
     highlights during the month of March the important role that 
     school music programs play in the academic and social 
     development of children: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That--
       (1) it is the sense of the Congress that music education 
     grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of 
     a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to 
     every student in every school; and
       (2) the Congress recognizes NAMM, the International Music 
     Products Association, for its efforts to emphasize the 
     importance of school music programs in the academic and 
     social development of children.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Kuhl) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl).


                             General Leave

  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on H. Con. Res. 45.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 
45, which highlights the benefits and importance of school-based music 
education. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), and my colleague, the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Cunningham), for their leadership on this issue and for 
introducing the resolution we are considering here today.
  Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music 
program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops 
critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's 
early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-
esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, 
and school attendance.
  In an analysis of the United States Department of Education data on 
more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that 
students who report consistent high levels of involvement in 
instrumental music over the middle and high school years show 
``significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 
twelve,'' regardless of students' socio-economic status.
  A 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found 
that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the 
lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco, and 
elicit drugs. So it is not surprising, Mr. Speaker, that children 
involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high 
school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs 
and substance abuse.
  In fact, many colleges and universities view participation in the 
arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' 
understanding and appreciation of the world around them. For these 
reasons, Mr. Speaker, I support House Concurrent Resolution 45 that 
recognizes the benefits and importance of school-based music education.
  This resolution before the House today is simple and straightforward. 
It states that it is the sense of this Congress that music education 
grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-
rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in 
every school. It also recognizes the International Music Products 
Association for their efforts to designate a Music in School Month in 
order to highlight an important role that school music programs play in 
the academic and social development of children.
  Music in Our Schools Month began as a single statewide celebration in 
1973 and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, a week; and in 
1985 March was designated as a month-long celebration of music in our 
schools.
  Music education is important to our children. It can broaden and 
strengthen their education and improve their lives. I join my 
colleagues in commending music educators and organizations across the 
country for the key roles they play in helping our children succeed in 
school and throughout life.
  As former President Gerald Ford said, ``Music education opens doors 
that help children pass from school into the world around them, a world 
of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The 
future of our Nation depends on providing our children with a complete 
education that includes music.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support music education in our 
schools and House Concurrent Resolution 45, which highlights the 
benefits and the importance of school-based music education.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. COOPER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to thank my new friend, 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl). I believe he took the place of 
one of the great gentlemen of our time, Mr. Amo Houghton, who 
represented that area of New York State extremely well for many years. 
I would also like to thank my good friend from California (Mr. 
Cunningham) for his sponsorship of this bill.
  This same measure passed the House of Representatives last session by 
402 to zero, remarkable widespread and bipartisan support; and I wish 
we could see that level of support across our great Nation for music 
education in our schools, because this is truly a worthwhile endeavor.
  I have the good fortune of representing Nashville, Tennessee, which 
as many of you know is Music City, USA. Nashville and the surrounding 
communities are probably home to more singers, song writers, and 
talented musicians than perhaps any other community in the world. It is 
truly a remarkably creative place. We like to say that literally 
everyone who lives there is a singer, song writer, or musician. It is 
just that some of them have not cut their demos yet.
  There is so much that music offers, and we should be able to support 
music for its own sake. But as my friend, the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Kuhl), has already said, music helps so many other endeavors in 
school as well: math, science. It helps kids of all types as well. It 
helps our high-achieving kids, and it helps our low-achieving kids. So 
this is a truly valuable part of our school curriculum. It should be 
offered in all our schools so all of our

[[Page H806]]

children have the chance to learn the joys of music.
  I think as many of you all realize, some of the most important 
intimate moments of our lives are usually associated with a song, a 
song that we carry in our hearts throughout our days and a song that 
was written somewhere, sometime by a remarkably talented individual who 
found that song in his or her heart.
  So music is important to our lives. It is important that we cultivate 
a love for music from the age of our youngest children so that they can 
grow up and develop their full God-given potential, whether it be music 
or whether it be math or science or reading or art or any of the other 
great disciplines that they are learning in our school systems.

                              {time}  1445

  So I would encourage Members to support this resolution.
  I would encourage our local school boards across the country not to 
repeat the mistake that we saw evidenced in that movie called Mr. 
Holland's Opus. Some of my colleagues may have seen it. It is a story 
of a fabulous schoolteacher, a music teacher and a school system, who 
knows where, who taught so well for decades, who taught band, 
introducing kids to the pleasure of marching music as well as an 
introduction to other forms of music, and yet, in the case of Mr. 
Holland, he was terminated by the local school board for lack of funds.
  It is important that our children have a broad, balanced education, 
that it include music, and there is no better time than the month of 
March for that love of music to demonstrate.
  So I appreciate my colleagues in the House. I appreciate the 
Committee on Education and the Workforce allowing a waiver of the 
normal jurisdiction so the bill could be brought forward in a timely 
manner.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter), a member of the 
Committee on Education and the Workforce.
  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time, and I 
thank my colleague the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) for their leadership on this 
particular resolution.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 45. Representing Clark 
County, Nevada, one of the fastest growing communities in the country 
and one of the fastest growing school districts in the country, we also 
have one of the finest music departments for our children.
  I would like to go back in time just for a moment. I am one of those 
students that, in the early 1960s, had the opportunity to start in the 
first grade with piano lessons. Of course, I resisted taking these 
piano lessons. I did not want to go, but I did follow the advice of my 
mom and dad and later joined the school band, was involved in programs, 
but I would tell my colleagues from firsthand that music has been a 
major part of my life.
  I know friends that have found it as a career, have made a decision 
to go into the music field, but it is an art form, and I feel that we 
have a responsibility as leaders to make sure that this art form is 
continued and expanded.
  I mentioned I have some friends that have moved into the music field. 
They, too, have been inspiration for me, but as I see what is happening 
to our children today with the pressures that are upon our families, 
music is a key way for recreation but also for excitement that music 
provides. It is truly an art form.
  As was mentioned earlier, music is one of those items that I think 
brings back memories of specific times. We hear a specific song or I 
play a song today that will bring back memories from years gone by, but 
life is not a snapshot. It is a moving picture, and as we enjoy those 
memories of life, music provides one of those avenues for us to share 
in moments of time, and music should and must remain a major part of 
our curriculum in our schools.
  I have this maybe far-out idea that someday music could be the 
language of world peace because music crosses all boundaries, all 
religions, all races, all nationalities, and at some point in time, I 
truly believe that music can be one of those tools to bring us all 
together as a Nation and as a country.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H. Con. Res. 45 and 
encourage its passage.
  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my good friend and colleague, a 
man whose own voice has remarkable musical qualities. It is bass, but 
it is music.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been told that music is a universal 
language, and so I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 45 to 
recognize the benefits and importance of school-based music education. 
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the reality our schools face today is one 
of budget cuts yet while trying to maintain a well-rounded curriculum 
for our children. After-school programs, art classes, intramural 
sports, late bus routes and even music classes are being eliminated.
  We know music education helps young minds to develop creatively and 
express emotions. We know that studies show that early music training 
can enhance a child's ability to reason and think critically and that 
children exposed to music at a young age learn better in other 
subjects.
  We also know that children trained in music score significantly 
higher on reading tests than those who were not.
  We know that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra 
reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances such as 
alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drugs.
  The College Board identifies the arts as one of the six basic 
academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in 
college, and the Department of Education agrees by listing the arts as 
subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students 
should take, stating that many colleges view participation in the arts 
and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' 
understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
  Although the Department of Education sees music education as a 
prerequisite to college and countless studies have shown the vast 
impact of music education, it is still missing for too many schools, 
particularly public schools in inner city neighborhoods having 
virtually no access to music education. Local budget cuts are depriving 
approximately 30 million students of an education that includes music.
  It is not only at the local level that is forcing schools to abandon 
music education, but the lack of Federal funding as well. Without music 
education, so many of our great musicians that we admire today would be 
doing something else.
  Not only musicians, but it has been noted that even the very best 
entrepreneurs and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry 
are nearly, without exception, practicing musicians. The school music 
program was there for them, and we need to have it there for the next 
generation of musicians, thinkers and entrepreneurs.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise in support of this resolution and urge 
its passage.
  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), and certainly the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), and my good friend and colleague, 
the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for lending their melodious 
vibes to support of this resolution.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in 
support of this resolution.
  H. Con. Res. 45 recognizes that music education grounded in rigorous 
instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic 
curriculum, and should be available to every student in every school. 
The serious study of music has been demonstrated to complement other 
areas of academic study, while also providing students with a 
substantive background in the arts that will serve them throughout 
their lives.
  This resolution is going to pass today--probably by a near unanimous 
vote. While all of us who support music education are gratified by that 
outpouring of congressional support, I must point out that it is 
insufficient unless backed up by a willingness to help

[[Page H807]]

schools offer quality music education programs.
  Unfortunately, music education is facing severe cuts in thousands of 
school districts throughout the Nation, including in the Mt. Diablo 
Unified School District in my congressional district. Fourth graders in 
that District may lose their music programs because of budget cuts 
necessitated in large part because this Congress has failed to follow 
through on its promises to fund public education adequately. These 
classes are the foundation for the district's celebrated middle and 
high school band programs, and eliminating music education would be a 
loss to those students. Yet the district is struggling to find money 
for teacher salaries.
  Since we passed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, both the Bush 
Administration and the Congress, which is under the control of the 
President's party, have reneged on the resources our schools urgently 
need to implement the laudable goals of that law--better 
accountability, better achievement, better instruction. With the 
President's latest budget, we are some $40 billion below the funding 
level we promised teachers, principals, students and parents when we 
passed the law.
  Some may use that underfunding as an excuse to call for a weakening 
in the law's goal of making sure that every child attends a quality 
school, is taught by a skilled teacher, and attains educational 
achievement at grade level. I believe that this nation is strong 
enough, and wealthy enough, that we can fund both the basic education 
requirements contained in No Child Left Behind, and classes in the 
music, arts, drama, social and emotional learning and other topics 
critical to a child's intellectual and social development. What this 
Congress has lacked, and continues to lack, is the will. Congress is 
happy to declare its support for a broad range of goals, but it too 
often fails to follow through and deliver to those who are depending on 
us.
  So I congratulate the authors of this resolution for reminding us 
that there is more to education than reading and writing, as critical 
as they are, and that other areas of instruction can actually enhance 
student performance in these other core subjects. I will look for 
similar support from the House when we offer amendments to increase the 
shamefully low education budgets that are placing our schools and 
teachers under unnecessary and unfair pressure.
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 45, 
recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music 
education.
  Music allows us to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritages, and 
also to explore the realms of expression, imagination, and creation 
resulting in new knowledge. Therefore, every individual should be 
guaranteed the opportunity to learn music and to share in musical 
experiences.
  Studies show that learning music can improve math and science skills, 
language skills, and increase spatial I.Q. Music is also designated a 
core academic subject in the No Child Left Behind Act (No Child Left 
Behind Act of 2002, Title IX, Part A, Sec. 9101 (11)).
  A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence 
reports that music training, specifically piano instruction, is far 
superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's 
abstract reasoning skills necessary for learning math and science.
  The experiment included four groups of preschoolers: one group 
received private piano/keyboard lessons; a second group received 
singing lessons; a third group received private computer lessons; and a 
fourth group received no training. Those children who receive piano/
keyboard training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring 
spatial-temporal ability than the others. These findings indicate that 
music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for 
mathematics, chess, science and engineering.
  In times of stringent fiscal resources public schools are often 
compelled to sever certain types of programs like music and arts 
education. Some schools are forced to seek outside sources of funding 
for such programs. During times of scare resources and rigorous budget 
climates many programs valuable to our children's early childhood 
development have been sacrificed.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to reiterate my support for H. Con. Res. 45 and 
school-based music education.
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend those who support 
music education in North Texas. Music serves as both an enjoyable 
pastime and an important educational tool for our children. On March 1, 
2005, I voted in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 45 which 
recognizes many key benefits of school-based music education.
  Specifically, H. Con. Res. 45 recognizes that school-based music 
programs enhance intellectual development and enrich the academic 
environment for all ages. Students who participate in music programs 
are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol and have 
better attendance. Additionally, skills gained through sequential music 
instruction include discipline and the ability to analyze, solve 
problems, communicate, and work cooperatively which are vital for 
success in the 21st century workplace.
  This House Concurrent Resolution also recognizes music as a core 
academic subject and that every student in the United States should 
have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education.
  I voted for H. Con. Res. 45 because of the overwhelming success of 
these programs in the 26th District. In 2004, the Denton Independent 
School District and the Lewisville Independent School District, both 
located in the 26th Congressional District of Texas, were recognized as 
among the ``100 Best Communities for Music Education'' in America. On a 
recent visit to Westlake Academy, I learned that the 5th graders 
attended mandatory violin lessons as it was shown to greatly improve 
their mathematics skills.
  These school districts realize the great importance of school-based 
music education. I believe these programs are vital to the overall 
development of our youth.
  I am proud of the education system in Texas; especially our involved 
parents and teachers at the Denton Independent School District, the 
Lewisville Independent School District and Westlake Academy who commit 
their lives and time to fostering our children.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this resolution, H. 
Con. Res. 45, recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based 
music education programs.
  I have long been a strong advocate for music education programs, both 
in my home state of Maryland and nationally. I believe that music 
education should be available to students of all ages and a part of 
every student's academic experience.
  Music education programs enrich the whole student, and are a critical 
component to a well-rounded academic curriculum. In my home state of 
Maryland, educators and administrators have worked to integrate music 
and arts programs into academic curriculums in order to provide 
students with these important benefits. At a time when education 
programs are struggling for adequate funding and state and local 
governments across the country face tremendous budget pressures, it is 
more important than ever to highlight and emphasize the importance of 
music education programs.
  Music education can also enhance intellectual development and skills 
integral to improved learning. Skills learned through the study of 
music help children become better students. Skills learned through 
music transfer to improve study skills, communication skills, and 
cognitive skills. Also, studies have shown that students involved in 
music classes are less likely to be disruptive, have better attendance, 
and are more likely to receive academic honors and awards.
  Studies have also shown that participation in school-based music 
education can increase student success. For example, in 2001 the 
College-Bound Seniors National Report showed that students with 
coursework in music performance and music appreciation scored notably 
higher on the SATs than students with no arts participation. Studies 
have shown that participation in music classes correlate with increased 
proficiency in mathematics and success in science.
  We must place a high value on music education. I am pleased to 
support this resolution supporting the importance of music education 
programs and urging that the benefits of music education should be 
available to every student.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 45 which recognizes the benefits and importance of school-based 
music education. School music programs not only enhance intellectual 
development and enrich the academic environment for students, but also 
provide a creative outlet for children. Children are far less likely to 
participate in gang or drug related behaviors if they are getting the 
proper inclusive education they need. As a member of the Congressional 
Arts Caucus, I find that learning through the arts inspires and 
motivates children to explore the world and their potential to 
contribute to it. The expertise acquired through music instruction, 
including problem solving skills, communication, and work ethic are 
imperative for success in this centuries workplaces.
  As Chairperson and co-founder of the Congressional Children's Caucus, 
I am troubled by the increasing number of schools and school districts 
that are cutting their funding for music based education. In my 
district of Houston, TX, our Governor demand for a 7 percent budget cut 
in education. Budget cuts such as this negatively affect access to 
music education. Restricting school music programs places our students 
at a disadvantage that will adversely affect them later on. A study in 
the Journal of Research in Music Education found that of 811 minority 
students, 36 percent identified their music teachers as their role 
models. This alone indicates the importance of equal opportunity for 
music based education in all of our nation's schools.

[[Page H808]]

  Thanks to organizations such as Community Help In Music Education 
(CHIME), we are working to ensure every student in the United States 
should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education. In 
the words of the late President John F. Kennedy, ``One of our greatest 
assets in this country are the talented boys and girls who devote their 
early lives to music . . .  [Music] is a part of American life which I 
think is somewhat unheralded around the world.''
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 45 as offered by my colleague, Mr. Cooper, to acknowledge the 
importance of music education in our schools. I thank Mr. Cooper for 
bringing this resolution to the floor today and for bringing this issue 
to the Congress' attention.
  Every student in the United States should have the best education 
possible. Such an education should be founded on a broad-based 
curriculum that incorporates instruction in a range of subjects. This 
includes not only math, science, history and English, but also physical 
education, music and the arts. An extensive knowledge base gives our 
children the skills they need to succeed in and enhances their lives.
  Music education has innumerable benefits to students, ranging from 
higher levels of academic performance to improved social and motor 
skills. School-based music instruction is fundamental in our continuing 
efforts to improve the education of America's children.
  Music adds a vital dimension to the scholastic experience. In the 
pursuit of quality education in America, teachers aim to boost scores 
in math and reading tests. Recent studies show that music lessons for 
young children result in a significant increase in their IQ levels and 
can help children develop analytical and problem solving skills.
  Music can open up doors for a child. It can be a medium for 
expression, a method for learning and it can open a young student's 
eyes to career possibilities, faraway cultures or simply allow them to 
reach the farthest depths of their imagination.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in recognition of 
the importance of school music programs and in support of this 
resolution. Music education must continue to be a part of American 
education.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
45, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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