I will be writing a letter to convince legislators of the value of
music in the curriculum. I need some darn good arguments!! How it
affects student's self estemm etc and maybe a bit about music's
positive effect on the brain (please ignore any references to the
Mozart Effect as this has been deemed questionable.

Many thanks!!!

I was starting to research your question, but I suddenly have to
leave. Although I am solidly in favor of teaching children music (I'm
currently paying so two of my kids can learn the piano), I must admit
I was a bit skeptical about the brain changes. But in my very brief
research, I did find some articles that support what you say.  Maybe
you or another Researcher will find these useful:
http://www.twinblues.com/irv.htm
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/music.html
http://wvwv.essortment.com/musiceffectbra_rqxt.htm
http://www.music-journal.com/htm/forsch/gruhn/gruhn2.htm

Best wishes in your endeavors with the Legislature!

Two reasons out of the top of my head:

Making music together is a wonderful example of non-competitive group
work from which everyone benefits.

The gift of music is a gift that remains for the rest of one's life. I
learned the violin at school, but gave up at 17. Nevertheless, I
retained my love of music, and joined a number of different style
choirs over the years as well as being a keen listener. 29 years later
I wanted my daughter to attend a weekend about different styles of
fiddle music. She was too young to go alone, but attendance by
non-playing participants was discouraged. I bought myself a cheap
violin in order to go with her, and rediscovered the magic of making
music with other players. Participation as fiddler and singer in a
West Gallery quire has now become one of the main things that keeps me
sane in an overworked and stressful existence.

Robert Floyd, Executive Director, Texas Music Educators Association
has some views on the subject.
http://www.texasmusicproject.com/article/Education/index
answerfinder-ga

Thanks guys-those links look really helpful. Cheers!

There is also a strong correlation between math and science skill with
musical ability.

Here's a nice article about the importance of music:

http://www.amuse.vic.edu.au/Aug_News_02.pdf

http://www.menc.org/information/advocate/facts.html
http://www.twinblues.com/contents.html
http://www.amc-music.com/research.htm
http://www.mindinst.org/MIND3/research/research-publications.php
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr123.shtml

Hi, there!

There do seem to be many reasons why music should be included in a
school curriculum.  Some have already been mentioned here.  I was
chasing up some articles I read about music and language development
(more below), and found a newsgroup message which sums up a lot of
what you seek:

(2NH) Interesting article by Larry Lake summarises an article by the
Toronto Star's science columnist, Jay Ingram
<http://interact.cbc.ca/pipermail/twonewhours/2003-August/009854.html>

You will also find support at CBC News (July 29, 2003) "Music lessons
enrich the brain: psychologist"
<http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/07/28/music_memory030728>

"Research Shows Correlation Between Music and Language Mechanisms. 
Research findings presented at a 1998 meeting of the Society for
Neuroscience in Los Angeles" at
<http://www.menc.org/information/advocate/brain.html>

"Exploring the Musical Brain" at
<http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0006255F-8BAA-1C75-9B81809EC588EF21>

I do not know enough about the Mozart Effect to make intelligent
comment, but the concept certainly seems controversial.  There are
many links to both sides of the debate on the page "MOZART EFFECT" -
MUSIC/BRAIN RESEARCH at
<http://parenting-baby.com/Parenting-Baby-Music-Research/Music-Research.html>

Best, r2l

I feel bad taking all this great advice for free! Maybe someone could
post an answer and take payment-I really appreciate all the work you
guys have done for my question. Thanks so much!