Music Education in Decline

Music education, particularly classical music genre, has been evidently in decline for years in the U.S.

• According to the Arts Education Data Project (NAMM Foundation), 92% of U.S. public school students are in schools that offer music education—but over 3.6 million students still have no access to music classes, and 2.1 million have no access to any arts education

• The number of students participating in school music programs has declined by 10% over the past decade

• Over 60% of school districts reported canceling or reducing music programs due to budget cuts in 2022

• Overall student involvement in school music programs has dropped by around 10–25% over the past decade. 

• Between 2010 and 2020, music education majors at the undergraduate level dropped by 14% 

• In Seattle, budget shortfalls have led to consolidation of choir, band, and orchestra into just one teaching position per school, eliminating separate band teacher roles

• Many schools rely heavily on music teacher salaries (70%+ of program costs), yet funding cuts over the past decade have reduced music teacher numbers by ~12% 

• The average per-student expenditure on music education in U.S. public schools is approximately $31

• Nearly 75% of music program funding comes from local sources such as PTA and community donations

• Approximately 80% of U.S. schools report that lack of funding is their top barrier to expanding music programs

• A survey found that 55% of music teachers had to use personal funds for classroom supplies

• Music teacher employment in public schools has declined by approximately 12–20% over the past decade .

• In schools, the count of music educators has decreased by 12% over the past decade, directly correlated to funding reductions 

• Over 60% of low-income school districts report having no dedicated music teacher, and 60% of students in these districts lack access to extracurricular music opportunities 

• Funding for arts (including music) represents just 1–2% of total public school budgets, with some states allocating under $10 per student per year .

• The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB, 2001) led to a sharp drop in music programs: elementary school music offerings declined from 95% in 2000 to 83% by 2006, while music educators dropped by up to 13% 

• A 2023 example: Seattle Public Schools proposed eliminating band teacher positions and consolidating choir, band, and orchestra into one role—a sign of mounting financial strain and enrollment decline

• The Philadelphia Orchestra filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011, the first major U.S. orchestra to do so. 

• The Metropolitan Opera saw spring attendance top out at just 72% capacity, with subscription sales down to 7%, far below expected pre-pandemic levels of 12–15%

By educating the public on the benefits of music education we can spark positive change that improves the state of music in schools.

Music education is a powerful tool that transforms the lives of millions of children worldwide. It has the ability to shape our minds and promote a range of skills and qualities that profoundly impact our overall maturation.