Because the arts, especially music, make a big difference in how children learn, the University of Washington is bringing leading
artists to local schools.

Involvement with music at a young age sharpens minds, lifts self-esteem and deepens cultural understanding. So when the UW World Series brings world-class performers to the Pacific Northwest , the artists do more than just take to the stage. They go into community schools, engage students, and open new doors to creative thinking.

Through its Residency in Seattle Schools Program, the UW World Series at Meany Hall for the Performing Arts is helping to ensure student success by bringing music and culture to children of all economic backgrounds. By partnering with Seattle schools, the UW program is reinforcing the findings of research suggesting involvement with music enhances students’ learning skills and success in life.

The good news about arts education
Students involved in music and arts education at the primary and secondary levels consistently outperform their peers in standardized test scores, display higher self-esteem and experience fewer incidences of risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse. Studies show that an arts education has been linked to success in school, success in society, success in developing intelligence and success in life.

In 2004, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT test and 40 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. Scores for those with coursework in music appreciation were 63 points higher on the verbal and 41 points higher on the math portion.

In the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS: 88), University of California-Los Angeles researchers determined that students who were highly involved in arts instruction not only earned better grades and performed better on standardized tests, they also performed more community service, watched fewer hours of television, reported less boredom in school, and were less likely to drop out of school.

UW World Series brings arts to area schools
In the 2005-06 school year, the UW World Series will bring to Seattle schools renowned artists and performers, including the Miro Quartet, pianist Leon Bates, and the Claremont Trio. Past residencies have proven to be an effective means of inspiring children—and their schools—to make music education part of their daily lives.

Students at T.T. Minor Elementary School in Seattle ’s Central District, for example, received an up-close experience in music appreciation in 2002 when the nationally renowned Marian Anderson String Quartet spent two days in residence at the local elementary school, one of the neediest in the Seattle School District . Prior to the residency, the school had no musical instruction program and most students were not able to identify musical instruments by name. Since the residency, the School has implemented violin lessons for every fourth grade student and opportunities for fifth graders to continue violin studies; general music appreciation classes, and a school marching band. As a result, students at T.T. Minor are receiving the education they need to continue their music studies in secondary schools, as well as exposure to the arts that will enrich them throughout their lives.  

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