Tyler Neal

Professor Aniss
Oral Comm
13 April 2017

Persuasive Speech Outline

I. Intro
A. (opener) Im going to start todays speech off with a question. How many of
you were involved in a music program at some point in your life, whether that
be piano lessons, a music appreciation class, or band/orchestra when you were
in middle school? (pause) It is very likely that most of us were or are still
involved with music to this day. (meaningful quote) Victor Hugo, a French
poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement, once said that
music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be
silent. This is very true and why many people turn to music when words fail.
Without a prior knowledge of music from an early age, it can be harder to
understand this medium, but even more importantly it is a crucial part of ones
childhood education. (ethos) As someone who has been involved in music
since sixth grade and coming from a school district that was heavily involved
the music, it is quite a personal topic for me and gives me a perspective that
others may not have.
B. (thesis statement) Music programs are a crucial part of general education and
should not be cut as it is helps aids many aspects of ones schooling.
C. (preview of main points) In this speech, I will be telling you about why music
programs are being cut from schools, why this is a detriment to a childs
learning and how to can help one achieve more in school.
II. Body
A. Firstly, it is important to understand what music can do for us.
1. (logos) A study by Virginia Penhune, a professor of music research at
Concordia University, last retrieved April 11th, shows that musical
training, produces long lasting changes in motor abilities and brain
structure. The earlier a child starts instrumental training, the stronger
the connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
These changes last into adulthood and are proven to affect the ability
to listen and communicate as an adult.
2. (statistical quote) In the same study, Penhune found that Children, and
even adults, who play an instrument 30 minutes a week over the
course of a little over a year have more highly developed brains.
3. In another study done by PBS, a highly regarded educational
broadcasting company, accessed on April 11th, music programs also
show effects on student motivation apparently because students
 tend to enjoy music and feel a sense of accomplishment when they
become proficient with a musical instrument and with ensemble
performances; and perhaps with gaining the people skills necessary to
collaborate in a group performance; and with cultural pride and
identification that can result from increasing awareness of culturally
embedded musical traditions.
4. These are all prove how music programs are valuable to a childs
education and how it can help aid them for a better future. (pathos)
Take a second a see yourself in the future with kids. Wouldnt you
want the best for your child?
B. Next, I will be discussing why music programs are being cut from schools.
1. The story has played out with some regularity for decades
economies boom and bust, school budgets get squeezed and music and
the other arts take the first hits. The global economic downturn of the
past two years has taken an especially hard toll on arts programs.
2. When districts face tough times, music and art programs are typically
the first to go as they are often seen as simply an extra activity that is
meant solely for entertainment; with no real educational value.
3. Parents also dont realize or understand the benefits that music
programs can have therefore they do not support their kids being
involved in these sorts of activities.
4. (two-sided appeal) Many schools do face a very limiting budget,
especially in more rural areas and it may not be possible to support and
fund a full-fledged music program, but it is possible to at least educate
children about music and its basics.
C. Lastly, I will be discussing why music programs should remain in schools and
what we can do to help achieve this goal.
1. As seen from the research given earlier in the speech, you can see how
crucial it is for children to have music programs in school.
2. Many people are lead to believe that it is important to be involved with
music throughout your entire academic career, which is not true. Just
have a general understanding of music will aid you.
3. Many of us will begin families when we graduate from college. A way
many of us can help insure that music stays in the schools is just by
showing our support for it. Being involved is crucial and can make an
impact.
4. Often, budget cuts and support for these types of programs are voted
upon by the community. This relates back to being an active
participant. We all have a say in the future of music programs in
schools.
III. Conclusion
 A. (review of main points) In this speech, I discussed why music programs are
being cut from schools, why this is a detriment to a childs learning and how
to can help one achieve more in school.
B. (central idea) Music programs are a crucial part of general education and
should not be cut as it is helps aids many aspects of ones schooling.
C. (closer) What children would miss most in a musically reduced or barren
environment are the musical experiences that music education brings to them.
Its the loss of music that will matter. The biggest loss may simply be the
chance to participate in a guided way with music to learn how music is
made, to try making music, to learn about the infinite ways that music comes
to us and to learn about musics connections to events and eras of our history.

Works Cited

Abril, C. R., and J. K. Bannerman. "Perceived Factors Impacting School Music Programs: The
Teacher's Perspective." Journal of Research in Music Education 62.4 (2014): 344-
61. SagePub. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
Boyd, Stacey. "Extracurriculars Are Central to Learning." U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News
& World Report, 28 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
<https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2014/04/28/music-art-and-language-
programs-in-schools-have-long-lasting-benefits>.

Muse, Queen. "Silencing the Music at Philly Schools." NBC 10 Philadelphia. NBC, n.d. Web. 10
Apr. 2017. <http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Philly-Students-Face-
Uncertainties-School-Cutbacks-Music-212290071.html>.

"Music Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.

<https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_music.html>.

"The Consequences of Curtailing Music Education." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, n.d.
Web. 11 Apr. 2017. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/tsr/dudamel-conducting-a-
life/the-consequences-of-curtailing-music-education/>.