o the high costs of sheet music and instrument purchase and repair. Other arts instruction such as visual arts, dance, and choir have suffered greatly from time to time, but music seems to have taken the greatest hit." (nd)
             Petress states a belief that music "is among the most important subjects taught in our schools; it is important physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Music ought not be high on anyone's list for excising when schools are faced with financial woes. All efforts need to be taken by parents, teachers, administrators, and the public to keep music in the curriculum." (nd) Music teaches not only content to students but as well teachers 'value' which includes those of: (1) self-discipline; (2) dedication; (3) teamwork; (4) knowledge; (5) continuous improvement; (6) self-confidence; (7) humility; (8) goal setting; (9) hard work; and (10) practice. All of which are vital for the individual to learn.
             II. FOUR SPECIFIC BENEFITS OF MUSIC EDUCATION
             Four specific benefits of music learning have been cited by the National Association for Music Education (NAMC) which are those of: (1) success in society; (2) success in school; (3) success in developing intelligence; and (4) success in life. (Petress, nd) It is further reported by NAMC that the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 followed up in 1992 "indicates that music education involvement reduces disruptive students in the school. This same NELS study reports musically involved students receive more academic honors than do non-musically involved students." (Petress, nd) It has been stated by Ted Turner, founder of CNN and other professionals in the business world that "arts education programs can help repair weaknesses in American education and prepare workers for the 21st century." (Petress, nd) Petress states that these benefits "seem so compelling it is appalling...