Lombard music cutback is unwise

I am writing in response to the April 12 article, “Music muted as Lombard changes curriculum.” Although Illinois law provides local school districts with the authority to make curriculum decisions concerning their schools, I would urge District 44 to rethink their decision to eliminate general music classes.

While good foreign language, technology and math skills are all important for students to possess in this day and age, having a music education is equally important. Historically, possessing a musical education was the sign of a well-rounded and well-educated individual and was the sign of a cultured society. Music classes help expose students to Americas cultural history, which is something that every student should have knowledge of.

Furthermore, numerous studies have found that music programs provide students with many educational benefits. Studies have proved that a musical education increases a student’s math, writing, and reading skills. Many studies have also concluded that students who play an instrument have a greater ability to learn new languages than students who do not play an instrument.

Middle school music programs can help improve students’ foreign language skills by teaching students how to play the piano or the recorder. If District 44’s goal is to improve its students math and language skills, it should be looking into ways to encourage students to take music classes instead of completely eliminating the general music program.

While the district may think that its decision looks like a good solution today, in the future it may realize that it is doing a disservice to students education by eliminating music classes.

Bethany Nystrom

Villa Park