With the economy at an all-time low, schools are forced to cut various programs out each year. Among the most frequently cut programs is musical education. More specifically, in the Tustin Unified School District, the elementary school music programs were cut, which is now affecting the number of students entering the middle and high school programs. Although running a music program is expensive to maintain, the positive aspects that affect students in the long run prove to be worth the money.
Musical education produces well-rounded students both academically and provides many options for outside of school activities. Having musical knowledge alone opens so many doors and career options, even for those that are not planning on pursuing a career in music. Being a musician requires hard work and discipline, as well as exercising the brain, thus improving language and memory skills. 
Many of the ways in which music classes benefit students is through cognitive development. Students with a background in musical education have the ability to achieve academically stronger than those without. In studies conducted by the College Board, music students consistently scored higher on both the math and verbal sections of the SAT, and other standardized tests. Learning to play a musical instrument also teaches discipline. In order to be able to play an instrument and participate in music, a lot of practice is required, which is achieved through discipline. Proved through musical activities such as marching band, students are able to march in perfect files and ranks in unison, play memorized music to choreographed field shows, and constantly check their peripherals at the same time. Musicians are constantly required to exercise many aspects of their brains.
Many school officials automatically conclude that music programs are far too costly and take time away from the classroom and other academic subjects. While music programs do cost money to maintain instruments, purchase music and uniforms, and travel to competitions, a sum of these can be covered through various fundraisers. Others believe that taking a music class takes up valuable time away from other academic courses. Students should be able to take a music class when room in their schedule allows as it benefits their test scores in other subjects.
Although there appears to be several downsides in providing more funding to music programs, in the end, the positive aspects far outweigh the negative. Music is a part of everyday life as it is already, so why not provide funding so our schools can improve their programs?