Importance of the Fine Arts

I recently read this article summarizing a research study on the positive impact music study has on reading ability.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316075843.htm

This study serves as another powerful reminder of the importance of the fine arts in the total educational experience of a child. In Friedman's "The World is Flat" he advocates for the importance of the fine arts because it allows kids to make the connections between the right and left sides of their brains. He argues that simply knowing facts or processes does not prepare a child to compete in the global economy. Rather, that child must be able to use those facts and/or processes to creatively come up with new ideas. Experiences in the fine arts help kids to develop and practice their creativity.

As schools continue to cut costs and work to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind, it is important that we continue to weigh the importance of the fine arts in the total educational experience.