PETITION

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It is a fact that music education contributes to all aspects of cognitive development. Studies in neuroscience have proven and demonstrated that learning to play an instrument or singing leads to changes in a child’s brain that makes it more likely for them to reach their full cognitive and academic potential. 

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Dr. Sean Hutchins, a researcher at The Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as prominent researchers in the field of neuroscience and cognitive studies, claim that practicing music increases your cognitive abilities.  In a study conducted by the University of Toronto, the research showed greater increases in full scale IQ scores among children involved in music lessons versus children with no musical education.

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On September 26, 2023, The New York Times published an essay by Adam Sternbergh. Sternbergh reminds us that although learning music is great for cognitive development and function, music making is part of our humanity and it is fun. He writes, “Playing music is fun, or should be, and you don’t have to be great at it to find it joyful.” 

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Therefore, we petition the Ontario Government to immediately make music education a part of the curriculum in all publicly funded schools in Ontario, from kindergarten to grade twelve. We want the Ontario government to fund that curriculum, including the provision of all necessary teachers and other personnel and equipment, including musical instruments.