I think there are probably some missing variables influencing this report, and that we are looking at correlation, not causation:
The poll by Harris Interactive, an independent research company, showed that 88 percent of people with a post-graduate education were involved in music while in school, and 83 percent of people earning $150,000 or more had a music education.
I'd drop in a control for parents' income, suspecting that higher socioeconomic status predicts both the ability to get involved with music (whether through a better school that still has music programs or through private lessons) and the chances of getting into higher education.
Even so, there is evidence that studying music enhances math ability, and fosters creativity. Not to mention the fact that it probably helps millions of kids deal with the emotional challenges of growing up. There are plenty of reasons to support music education without iffy stats.
HT (and see also File under Duh! also linked from AAW).
Posted by binky at November 16, 2007 01:35 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Media | Music | Science