Are arts and music unnecessary subjects in schools?

• by Crispin Hawthorne
• Feb, 22 2023

When it comes to deciding which subjects should be taught in schools, arts and music have often been seen as unnecessary or even a waste of time. However, there are many benefits to incorporating these subjects into a school’s curriculum, and research has shown that students who take part in arts and music education do better academically and socially than those who don’t.

One of the main benefits of arts and music education is that it can help students develop creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills. These skills are essential for success in many areas, such as science and technology. By encouraging students to explore their own creative ideas and express themselves through art or music, they can learn to think outside the box and develop the ability to tackle complex tasks.

Arts and music education can also help to foster a sense of community and belonging in a school. These subjects can provide an opportunity for students to come together and work collaboratively on projects, which can be beneficial for developing social skills. In addition, the arts can provide a way for students to explore different cultures and perspectives, which can help to foster a more tolerant and understanding environment.

Finally, taking part in arts and music education can be a great way for students to relax, have fun, and express themselves in a non-academic setting. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may be struggling academically or feeling overwhelmed by their coursework. By providing an outlet for creativity and self-expression, arts and music can help students to reduce stress and feel more confident about their abilities.

In summary, arts and music education can provide many benefits for students, such as developing creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, fostering a sense of community, exploring different cultures and perspectives, and providing a way to relax and have fun. As such, these subjects should be considered necessary components of schools’ curriculums.

The debate surrounding arts and music in schools is a long-standing one. On one hand, some believe that the study of these subjects is essential for a well-rounded education and the development of creativity and critical thinking skills. On the other hand, some believe that the time and resources devoted to arts and music could be better spent on other subjects such as math and science.

Proponents of arts and music in schools argue that these subjects are essential for students to develop their creative and critical thinking skills. Studies have shown that students who are exposed to the arts and music have higher cognitive abilities than those who are not. Additionally, the study of these subjects helps to foster social and emotional development, as well as provide students with an appreciation for different cultures and forms of expression.

Opponents of arts and music in schools, however, argue that the resources spent on these subjects could be better used elsewhere. They cite research that has shown that math and science are more effective at teaching students critical thinking skills, and that the time spent on arts and music could be better spent learning these subjects. Additionally, some argue that the focus on arts and music in schools can take away from the learning of more practical and useful skills.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding arts and music in schools is an ongoing one. While some argue that these subjects are essential for a well-rounded education, others argue that the resources devoted to them could be better used elsewhere. It is up to individuals and schools to decide which side of the debate to take, and to make sure the resources are used in the best way possible to benefit students.