Klarinet Archive - Posting 000621.txt from 1998/04

From: "Scott Morrow" <sdm@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: budget cutbacks
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 11:49:31 -0400

>I mean,
>everyone knows that students who study music have higher test scores and do
>better in school. You think they'd want to build the music program up so
their
>school would be smarter. So why do they tear it down? It makes me sick
>
>Karen D
>Los Altos, Ca

I, also, hate it when schools cut funding for the arts. I agree that
music, art, drama, etc., are essential in helping students become
well-rounded creative thinkers.
However, one of my pet peaves is misinterpreted scientific data. I have
not seen the data from the experiments mentioned, so this is probably just a
"logical thinking" exercise:

Are the students smarter BECAUSE they study music? Or do "already
smart" students tend to study music if they are given a chance?

Either way, I'm all for giving them the chance!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
DNA Synthesis Core Facility
Department of Biochemistry
The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-3631