Every so often we get an email or telephone call from a parent who says their child has to give up their music lessons to "focus on their academics". We never attempt to persuade them to reconsider. Nevertheless, we do know that there have been hundreds of worldwide studies written by leading academics and institutions which suggest that studying music has hugely beneficial effects. We have included just a few of these articles below for your information and there are many others you can find for yourselves on the internet.

Being focused on one aspect of life to the exclusion of all others can lead to anxiety and depression. Everyone needs to balance their life in order to fully achieve their goals and maintain mental and physical health. A creative outlet like music or drama or art can be immensely beneficial during times of stress and should be encouraged.

FACT: To illustrate the point, EVERY former student of SONGWORKS who has applied to Medical School, widely acknowledged to be the most difficult tertiary education course to obtain a place, has been accepted. A 100% pass rate. All of them kept up their music tuition even during their final exams. Several are now fully qualified doctors and others are still studying. Congratulations to you all!

• Music Students Score Better in Math, Science, English Than Nonmusical Peers
• Playing a Musical Instrument Makes You Brainier
• How Music Education Can Improve Students' SAT Scores
• Music Education And Academic Achievement
• Music Students Score Higher in Maths, Science and English than Non-Music Student Peers
• Kansas University Establishes Link Between Music Education and Academic Achievement
• Music Education Boosts Academic Achievement
• Study Explores Relationship Between Music Education and Academic Performance
• 10 Important Benefits of Music In Our Schools
• 6 Great Reasons to Study Music