In Support of the Arts
- By Deborah P. Moore
- 02/01/17
There has been much talk about cutting the federal budget and on
the list of cuts are cultural programs that
receive federal funding. These include The Corporation
for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment
for the Arts and the National Endowment for
the Humanities. This should not come as a surprise to
us, seeing how many schools cut the arts when education
budgets were slashed. In recent years however,
I am seeing S.T.E.M. become S.T.E.A.M. and programs for the arts being
added back into the curriculum. The reason is not because schools have become
flush with money, but because many have realized that humanities and
the arts inspire creativity and imagination in students and are important to
the development of well-rounded individuals. The arts should not be viewed
as a hobby, a diversion or an afterschool activity. They should be viewed as a
necessary part of a student’s education.
A recent article by Muriel Gray that appeared in the U.K. publication,
The Spectator, states, “The benefits of the arts in learning are not subjective.
Studies have proved conclusively that teaching children to read music
and play an instrument in their early years can increase their IQ. Hands-on
participation in art and design is essential to building an understanding of
the visual world. Drama makes sense of a complex emotional world, and interpretive
movement can be considerably more beneficial than many sports
in promoting body awareness, fitness, balance and a sense of beauty.”
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest physicists of all time, studied piano
and violin. He was quoted as saying “The greatest scientists are artists as
well. When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come close to the
conclusion that the gift of imagination has meant more to me than any talent
for absorbing absolute knowledge.” (Calaprice, 2000). Einstein said that he
never thought in logical symbols or mathematical equations, but in images,
feelings and even musical architectures (Wertheimer, 1959).
The report, “Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning”,
found that the arts can help change the learning environment to one of
discovery… and that is what learning is all about. Education is about more
than just memorizing facts. It’s about using all of the tools in our toolbox to
help students succeed and includes the arts.
I am a perfect example of an arts education. Did studying music in
college help me in my current career? You bet it did. I still may not be able
to play the piano very well, but I learned so much more. I learned about
personal responsibility as well as teamwork. I developed both analytical
and listening skills. School wasn’t only about studying; it was about
experiencing. That is something the arts can do and something I wish for
every student.
This article originally appeared in the issue of .