Why the Arts Are So Important in Schools

Why are arts so important in various schools? Good question. I can give you 9

reasons why. I’m sure there are more but 9 sounds like a good easy-to-read amount

of information to discuss. Before we go deep into this, I must present the safety rules to consider when incorporating the performing arts in schools.

The Totally Legitimate and Completely Necessary Performing Arts Safety

Handbook for Schools Considering the Arts (Disclaimer: This handbook is 77%

serious, 23% jazz hands. Use at your own dramatic risk.)

Rule #1: Stage Combat and Actual Combat

Sword fights in Romeo and Juliet should not result in a trip to the ER. If your weapon

is plastic, please don’t swing it like you’re auditioning for Gladiator 3.

Rule #2: The Spotlight Is Not a Heat Lamp

Yes, it gets warm under stage lights. No, that does not mean you should try to toast

your Pop-Tarts on them. The heat generated from just one stage light may cause

temporary drop in blood flow to the brain and you might faint. If you faint, faint in

character.

Rule #3: Never Trust the Fog Machine

That “atmosphere” is one dial away from setting off the fire alarm and evacuating

the entire school. If you can’t see the music conductor, it’s not dramatic—it’s

dangerous.

Rule #4: Dance Floors Are Not Trampolines

Leaps and pirouettes are encouraged. Backflips off the stage into the orchestra pit

are not. If you attempt them, please sign the liability waiver first.

Arts activities and experiences nurture essential human skills—like imagination, emotional expression, and innovation.

Rule #5: Always Respect the Mic

Microphones are fragile, expensive, and prone to feedback that can summon the

ghost of Beethoven. Do not tap, drop, or attempt stand-up comedy during sound

check.

Rule #6: Dramatic Pauses Are Not Coffee Breaks

Holding for effect is great. Holding for a full 30 seconds because you forgot your next line is not. If in doubt, keep talking. Shakespeare would approve.

Rule #7: Warm Up, Don’t Wail

Vocal warm-ups should not sound like a herd of sick llamas. Please limit scales and

tongue twisters to the choir room, not the hallway where algebra students are

plotting revenge.

Rule #8: Techies Are Humans Too

Do not anger the lighting crew. They control your spotlight, your entrance music,

and your chances of not tripping over a chair. Treat them with kindness, or risk

having a spotlight follow you in “sinister red” for the rest of the show.

Rule #9: Curtain Calls Are Not Marathons

Take a bow. Smile. Exit. Do not attempt an encore unless you are Beyonce or unless

the audience is literally chanting your name (your mom doesn’t count).

Rule #10: The Golden Rule of Performing Arts Safety

If you’re going to embarrass yourself, do it with commitment. A missed step

becomes choreography if you sell it. A wrong note becomes jazz if you play it with

confidence. Remember: the show must go on, preferably without injury.

Follow these guidelines and your superintendent shouldn’t have any problems

adding any form of the arts to your districts school year.

Introduction to Arts in Education

Now, close your eyes and imagine your child going to school. Imagine them being

picked up by the bus. Singing happy songs on the road to their school. Leaving the

bus and being greeted by their teacher and the principal. Going to their shiny locker and stowing away the supplies they don’t need for first period. Finally, keep your

eyes closed, imagine them going into an arts class and enriching their lives. Now

open them. Didn’t that feel good?

When we think about a child’s education, the first subjects that usually come to

mind are math, science, and language arts. These disciplines often receive the

greatest emphasis because they are seen as essential for future careers and

economic success. Yet, there is another area of study that holds equal importance—

arts education.

When we think about after-school activities, our minds often jump to sports like

football, baseball, kickball, or tennis. But let’s not forget about theatre! It’s a fantastic

team effort where students collaborate to achieve a common goal: opening night.

The arts include not just theatre, but also music, visual arts, dance, and creative

writing. These activities nurture essential human skills—like imagination, emotional

expression, and innovation. And while you might not see them in traditional sports

uniforms, they might just be rocking some fun costumes for a production of “High

School Musical”.

Unfortunately, in many school systems, arts programs are the first to face cuts when

budgets are tight. This trend stems from the misconception that the arts are “extras”

rather than essentials. But research and real-life experience prove the opposite. A

strong foundation in the arts enriches not only students’ creativity but also their

academic performance, social skills, and mental health. More importantly, the arts

prepare young people for the challenges of a world that requires innovation,

empathy, and adaptability.

In this blog, we’ll explore the many reasons why the arts are vital in schools, highlighting how they enhance creativity, academic achievement, emotional well-

being, teamwork, and cultural understanding, while also preparing students for diverse career opportunities. And we’ll remind you how important one-on-one

training is for the arts that is offered at The Music in Me Studio. It’s more than a

place for enhancing your creativity; it’s an extension of the arts in school experience.

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation Skills

Creativity is often described as the cornerstone of progress. It is what allows

individuals to approach problems from unique angles, invent new solutions, and

imagine futures that don’t yet exist. The arts are unparalleled in cultivating

creativity.

When students paint, compose, or act, they engage in experimentation. They try, fail, adjust, and try again. This iterative process builds resilience while sharpening their

ability to think outside the box. For example, a student at The Music in Me Studio

wanted to have their instructor listen to their original music and give their opinion

and guidance. It was quickly discovered that many of the original tunes were

melodies in the student’s head and not composed. Eventually, through persistent

discussion, the students learned to compose the music to their songs, thus

broadening their creativity and discipline. This guidance from a trained musician

provided a new vision for the student and the development of essential life skills.

Schools desire to develop those skills in students which is where the arts fit in.

Music education, for instance, strengthens mathematical reasoning. Rhythm and

meter teach fractions, ratios, and patterns. Students who learn to read music often

develop stronger spatial-temporal skills, which are linked to higher math

achievement. Theater and storytelling sharpen literacy skills, improve vocabulary,

comprehension, and the ability to analyze text. Visual arts build observation and

focus—critical tools in both science experiments and history analysis.

Many of the world’s most innovative thinkers credit their creative backgrounds for

their success. Steve Jobs once remarked that Apple’s groundbreaking technology

was built at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts. Schools that prioritize

arts education cultivate this same spirit of innovation, producing graduates who are

not only knowledgeable but also inventive.

Improving Academic Performance Across Subjects

Far from being separate from academics, the arts actively enhance learning across

disciplines. Studies show that students engaged in arts programs tend to perform

better in math, science, and language arts. Moreover, the arts bring abstract concepts to life. Imagine a science class where students choreograph a dance to represent the water cycle, or a history lesson where students perform a play about a pivotal moment in civil rights. These activities transform learning from memorization to embodiment, making knowledge more meaningful and memorable.

Fostering Emotional Expression and Well-being

School can be stressful. Between the pressure of standardized tests, social dynamics,

and personal challenges, students need safe and constructive ways to process their

emotions. The arts provide that outlet.

Through painting, students externalize feelings that may be hard to verbalize.

Through music, they can release tension, joy, sadness, or excitement. Theater allows

students to explore the complexities of human emotions by stepping into another

character’s life. These experiences help them better understand themselves while

building empathy for others. Now you have to admit. Reading this information has to

spark the question “Why are schools so quick to remove the arts if they provide so

much for so many?” I wish I could answer that.

Research also shows that participation in the arts improves mental health, lowering

stress and boosting overall well-being. In fact, art therapy is used clinically to help

children and adults process trauma and anxiety. When integrated into education, the

arts become preventative care for mental health, equipping students with healthy

coping mechanisms and greater emotional resilience.

Building Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities

Each artistic discipline requires students to make choices and evaluate their

effectiveness. A dancer interpreting music must decide how to embody rhythm and

emotion. A painter has to choose colors and techniques to best convey a message. A

theater student must analyze a character’s motivations to create a convincing

performance. None of these choices are straightforward — they demand critical

thinking, weighing options, and justifying decisions.

Unlike solving a math problem with a single right answer, the arts present open-

ended challenges. This helps students grow comfortable with ambiguity and complexity—skills essential in an ever-changing world. Problem-solving through the

arts teaches flexibility, patience, and confidence in decision-making. There is that

word that school curriculum creators need to remember. Decision-making. As

students approach the end of their secondary academic experience they are

stepping into independent thinking and decision-making phase of their life.

Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork Among Students

Few things teach collaboration more effectively than the arts. Performances, group

projects, and ensembles require trust, communication, and cooperation.

In theater, an actor depends on stage partners to deliver cues and maintain the

rhythm of a scene. In choir, harmony only exists when each singer listens and adjusts

to others. In a visual art mural project, students negotiate roles, share materials, and

combine their creative visions.

These experiences go beyond classroom exercises—they mirror the demands of

real-world teamwork. Whether students pursue careers in business, healthcare, or

science, the ability to collaborate respectfully and productively will serve them for

life.

Cultural Awareness and Appreciation Through Arts

Art is inseparable from culture. When students engage with diverse art forms, they

gain access to the perspectives and histories of people across the globe.

For example, studying African drumming teaches not just rhythm, but also the

communal values embedded in the tradition. Performing Shakespeare exposes

students to the complexities of Elizabethan society, while studying modern hip-hop

poetry connects them to contemporary social issues. Each artistic experience

expands their worldview, fostering empathy and respect for different cultures.

In a society that is increasingly interconnected and multicultural, cultural awareness

is not just enrichment—it’s necessity. Arts education equips students to become

global citizens who can appreciate diversity and engage in meaningful dialogue with

others. Schools are also exposing their students to

Developing Communication Skills Through Artistic Expression

Communication is one of the most important skills students will ever learn, and the

arts provide countless ways to develop it. Theater trains students to project their

voices, articulate clearly, and use body language effectively. Music teaches listening

and nonverbal communication, as musicians respond to one another in

performance. Visual art and creative writing show students how to convey complex

messages and emotions without relying solely on words.

Strong communication skills carry over into every aspect of life—from job

interviews to relationships. By practicing artistic expression, students gain the

ability to express themselves with confidence and clarity, making them more

effective leaders, collaborators, and community members.

Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem in Students

Few things are as empowering as sharing creative work with others. Whether it’s

performing in a school play, singing the national anthem at a game, showcasing

artwork in an exhibition, or playing in a band concert, these moments build courage

and pride.

Of course, performing or presenting art also involves vulnerability. Students must

take risks, face possible criticism, and learn resilience. Over time, these experiences

cultivate self-esteem. A student who once trembled at the thought of speaking in

front of peers may grow into a confident presenter because of drama class. A child

who struggled academically may discover a hidden talent for painting that becomes

a source of pride. The confidence developed through the arts spills over into

academic and personal growth, helping students believe in their own potential.

Preparing Students for Diverse Career Opportunities

It’s a misconception that the arts only prepare students for careers in music, theater,

or visual art. While those fields are important, the skills developed in arts education

are highly transferable to countless professions. Shortly after graduating from

Sinclair Community College, I was hired to reenact crimes in short skits called “Con

of the Week” that were broadcast during WHIO Channel 7 afternoon news. I

eventually began assisting in writing the skits and even had a chance to direct one of

them. That job led to writing, acting and directing in various commercials. I was

eventually asked to teach and write plays at various local schools. I use those skills

today as I coach and teach acting for movies and TV as well as musical theatre acting

for The Music in Me Studio.

Creativity and innovation are essential in industries like technology, marketing, and

product design. Collaboration and communication are vital in healthcare, education,

and business. Critical thinking and problem-solving are necessary in law, politics,

and engineering. Even fields like science and mathematics benefit from imaginative

thinkers who can approach problems from fresh perspectives.

In fact, many employers today emphasize the need for “soft skills”—creativity,

teamwork, communication—over purely technical skills. Arts education develops

exactly those abilities. By supporting the arts, schools prepare students not only for

creative careers but for success in virtually any field.

Conclusion: Advocating for Arts in Education

The arts are not extracurricular luxuries; they are essential elements of a complete

education. They enhance creativity, sharpen academics, support mental health, build

confidence, and prepare students for the complexities of adult life. More than that,

they remind us of what makes us human—our ability to express, connect, and

imagine.

When schools cut arts programs, they deny students opportunities to discover their

voices, expand their minds, and build empathy for others. Investing in the arts is not

simply about creating future artists — it is about nurturing well-rounded citizens

capable of leading, innovating, and caring in a diverse and dynamic world.

Advocating for arts in education is advocating for a brighter future—one where

imagination and knowledge, heart and mind, creativity and discipline work hand in

hand. By ensuring that the arts remain central in schools, we give students the

freedom not just to learn, but to flourish.