Commenters tell Higley Unified meeting music instruction boosts math, reading and confidence

At a meeting of the Higley Unified School District, two commenters urged continued support for music instruction, saying participation in music improves students’ academic skills and confidence.

One commenter said, “Getting them involved and making the music is what's gonna help them grow the most. Whether or not they do music later in their life, they're gonna be better at math, they're gonna be better at science, all that stuff. They're gonna be better readers and speakers simply because of what they do in music.”

A second commenter added, “I hope that my students have a lifelong love of music and really the ability and the confidence to express themselves creatively however they” and a subsequent commenter continued, “choose. They won't all be professional musicians, but what music does for the brain, it's going to change their lives forever for the better. I really believe in what I do, and I hope that they have a love and appreciation for music and what it does for them and how it can literally change their life.”

The speakers framed music instruction as a tool for broader academic and social benefits rather than as a path only for future professional musicians. They emphasized improved performance in subjects such as math and science, stronger reading and speaking skills, creative expression and lifelong appreciation of music. The comments did not include specific program proposals, budget figures or citations of research studies.

No formal motions, votes or district decisions on music programming or funding were recorded in the provided transcript excerpts. The remarks appeared as public commentary advocating for continued or strengthened music opportunities for students.

District officials did not provide a response in the transcript excerpts provided; no implementation steps or follow-up assignments were recorded.