Because many school districts are on a budget, they cut music education and programs from the school’s curriculum. However, they don’t know that music education brings more advantages than disadvantages. It is essential that music should be maintained in schools due to bringing cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits.

One priority that is important is that music brings a sense of achievement. During the time of a pandemic and online learning, it is extremely challenging to hold group classes. The transmission of sound between various devices sometimes lags causing musicians to unable to play or sing in sync. Despite these difficulties, teachers can still teach music. For small children who are learning how to play a new instrument, it may be challenging for them to learn how to play different pieces of music; however, learning how to play an instrument during such a difficult time is an achievable goal even if there is no face-to-face instruction. The smallest goal in music, such as holding a bow or reading the notes, can be achieved by students resulting in them feeling proud of their accomplishment. As one improves, the beautiful music sound that comes out creates an enriching experience for everyone. The sense of achievement can help students not just in their music education but in other parts of their life.

Another priority is that music teaches discipline. Playing music can’t be achieved in a short amount of time; it requires daily practice and dedication. With online learning, daily practice and dedication are important. During class time, there is not enough time for each student to play for the teacher especially for large classes. Students will have to dedicate some time for their day to practice music in order to master what they are learning. Doing this will develop discipline in the students. Furthermore, discipline is required when one is practicing on the hard parts of the music and not the easy parts because it is hard to improve when one only plays the easy things.

In addition, music helps deal with stress which is also an important priority. Lots of students have busy school and life schedules. The busy students have to balance their academic, social, and work life. Sometimes the students get overwhelmed from the busy work they have. Playing an instrument requires lots of attention. The music can help calm the mind and enhance concentration. Even listening to music in the classroom can get the children to relax. The troubles in their mind will slip away resulting in them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

            There are many ways to promote these priorities. The ways to promote the priorities include:

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, website, etc.)
• Invite faculty and school board members to the classroom to observe
• Host an open house (live demo)
• Host a concert(s) to perform to the public
• Local media

These ways can let the public know what the class offers and the work the students put in to achieve an outstanding job. Each way allows the public to see why music should be maintained in school. Posting videos of students learning to play new pieces of music can show the world the determination and dedication the students put in to learn. It also shows the fun that music can bring. Hosting live events to the public illustrates the students’ hard work to achieve an excellent performance for the public to listen. Having visitors over in the class permits the visitors to actually see how music changes the students’ lives. The local media, such as the radio and TV, can help send out stories that tell how music changes the students in a major or minor way. All these communications contribute in a way that supports music to be in schools.