West Branch, Boardman schools among best for music education

Staff report

CARLSBAD, CALIF.

Boardman and West Branch schools have been named to a list of the country’s best communities for music education.

They are among 25 school districts in Ohio recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation to earn the distinction. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

The designation has more significance this year with new research showing strong ties between music education and overall student success.

A study from researchers at Northwestern University and others shows that participation in music education helps to close the achievement gap, improves brain function and sparks language development.

“Anecdotally we always knew there were links between student success and access to music education,” Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundaton executive director, said in a news release. “New methods for studying the brain and a landmark study of inner-city students in Los Angeles show a direct link between do-re-mi and the ABCs.”