Music is a science. It is exact and specific, and demands precision.

Music is mathematical. It is based on subdivisions and fractions, which must be worked out instantaneously, not on paper.

Music is a foreign language. Most of the terms are in Italian, German, and French, and the notation is a semantically complete non-English system of symbols.

Music is history. It reflects the time and environment of its creation, often the country and social or political feeling.

Music is physical education. It is strenuous, and it requires coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, diaphragm, and back muscles, which must respond instantly to the ear and the mind.

Most of all, music is Art. It allows a human being to take these dry techniques and use them to create emotion.

Studying music enhances: discipline

. self-confidence and self-esteem

. poise

. goal-setting and reaching

. creativity

. memory skills

Research indicates music students: gain better employment

. accel in academics

. respect others achievements

.demonstrate leadership skills

. develop social strengths

. achieve better concentration

. function better under stress

. understand democratic living and be aware of diversity

. have self-management skills and assess one's own performance accurately

. be able to work with others as part of a team

. express ideas through the arts

. utilize creativity and imagination in solving problems

. express and interpret ideas in a language other than English