Most people agree that music and art programs in schools have a huge impact on students not only academically, but in almost every aspect of their lives. Studies have shown that students involved in music and art programs have higher IQs overall and show signs of many other academic advantages. Participation in such programs also offers students the opportunity to express themselves artistically and show the world their perhaps otherwise hidden potential. We all know how much fun it can be to show off your unexpected skills to the world, and what better way to show them off than where we spend most of our daily lives? Unfortunately, despite all these obvious benefits, when a school budget is tight, the first thing to go is arts programs. Because of this, opportunities become more limited. Creative expression is interrupted. The greater potential for success in mathematics and science is reduced. Fun, informative, and influential elective classes disappear. Art programs aren't really the best choice when deciding which classes to eliminate to have enough money for those extra textbooks or new desks. Time and time again, the matter has been tested and shown that the benefits are very real and that the arts programs are. largely effective. The University of Michigan exalts music and art programs and portrays them as essential classes (Murphy). The university views art programs as a way to develop imagination, which helps understand the real world. He sees the connections between art, mathematics, and science: both “require imagination and aesthetic judgment… [and] require discipline in the acquisition and application of skills, along with intellectual rigor in both formal and conceptual pursuit…. .. middle of paper ......p>.Davidson, Benjamin. Survey on the national public awareness campaign on arts education. July 2001. PDF.Murphy, Shannon. "Music and art education". University of Michigan, 2000. Web. May 5, 2012. Paris, K. “Goals 2000 Summary: Educate America Act.” Goal Summary 2000: Educate America Act. North Central Regional Education Workshop, 1994. Web. 06 May 2012. .Smith, Fran "Why Arts Education Is Crucial and Who's Doing It Best." The George Lucas Educational Foundation, January 28, 2009. Web. May 5, 2012. .Tsioulcas, Anastasia. “‘Kinshasa Symphony’: An Ode to Musical Joy in Central Africa.” Tricky Cadence from NPR Classical. NPR, Washington DC, March 7, 2012. Radio.