Learning to play an instrument can be quite costly, and many underfunded music programs cannot compensate for the cost and provide quality programs to their students. This underfunding causes band lessons to be unobtainable for lower-class families.
Lack of Accessibility
Music is a standard part of the art department in many schools, from elementary to college. Middle school programs often introduce students to the world of classical music through band programs and instrument lessons. Unfortunately, these programs aren’t available to all students. Often the costs of participating in these programs and the lack of funding in the school districts can prevent these opportunities for children in underfunded areas.
Public School Programs
Many students involved in band and classical music learn how to play their instruments in middle school band programs. However, their funding often limits the school’s ability to have these programs. These funding issues historically affect school districts with larger low-income or minority populations. This lack of funding can reduce accessibility to qualified instructors, equipment, and available rooms.
A 2014 study by the National Center for Educational Statistics found that secondary schools with a majority of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, had a lower percentage of room and equipment, especially for music than average. The study found that 91% of all secondary schools had dedicated rooms and equipment for music programs. However, of the secondary school with a 76% or higher rate of students eligible for free or, reduced lunch only 86% had dedicated rooms and equipment for music programs. This compared to the 94% of schools with dedicated rooms and equipment in schools with a 25% or less rate of students on free or reduced lunch shows how music programs are lacking in lower-income communities.
Even if these schools have band programs and teachers, they often lack the instruments necessary. Students are left to rent or buy their own, which can be very expensive and is often not an option for students in these less funded communities.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are another option for many students, but these lessons have their own drawbacks that make them inaccessible. The main barrier is the price surrounding lessons. With private lessons, students often need to purchase their own instruments, which can cost between $500-$1,800. On top of the price for instruments, private lessons can cost between $15-$30 for a 30min lesson and $30-$75 for a 60min lesson. This price often does not include supplies such as reeds for woodwind instruments, maintenance supplies, and the music books necessary for practice. This can all add up and is financially inaccessible to lower-income families.
Another barrier for many families regarding private lessons is location and time. Students and families in rural areas often don’t have nearby music stores. Furthermore, students whose parent or parents works full time cannot get to lessons as they are often too young to drive. With music lessons commonly taking place during business hours, parents cannot get their children to private lessons.
What’s Being Done
Many districts’ music and arts budgets are being reduced due to a lack of overall funding and parental support. Funding for music education is being fought for on the individual district level by parents and individuals. Many organizations have formed to fight for school funding and provide their own when districts fall short, such as the North Carolina Arts Council. Through these organizations and the help of individuals, band and instrument lessons can become more accessible to students who have been previously unable to participate.
