music education leads to higher incomes

From Ashley Gorik and reported in a number of media outlets...

People who were involved in a music program in school were more likely to reach higher levels of education and earn a larger income than those who did not, according to a poll released Monday.

Of adults responding to a Harris Interactive poll who said they have some college education, 81 percent participated in a school music program. That number increased to 86 percent for college graduates and 88 percent for people with a postgraduate degree.

A recent University of Kansas study, meanwhile, found that students in quality music programs scored 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math on standardized tests.

The Harris poll also found that participation in a music program correlated with higher levels of income. Of adults earning $35,000 to $50,000 a year, 72 percent had music education, compared with 83 percent of adults earning more than $150,000.

When I heard this on the radio, it sounded much more impressive, because they only mentioned the 83%-- instead of comparing that number to the 72% with lower incomes. Without the context of knowing that most people receive "music education" (as defined by the survey), the inferences are likely to be skewed. That said, music still matters...