In the elementary schools Cleveland is giving considerably more than
the average amount of time to music. In the high schools, except for
a one-hour optional course in the High School of Commerce, the subject
is developed only incidentally and given no credit. It is entirely
pertinent to inquire why music should be so important for the grammar
school age and then lose all of this importance as soon as the high
school is reached.
TABLE 14.--TIME GIVEN TO MUSIC
======+=======================+========================
| Hours per year | Per cent of grade time
Grade +-----------+-----------+-----------+------------
| Cleveland | 50 cities | Cleveland | 50 cities
------+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------
1 | 47 | 45 | 6.5 | 5.2
2 | 54 | 48 | 6.1 | 5.3
3 | 54 | 47 | 6.1 | 5.1
4 | 54 | 48 | 6.1 | 4.9
5 | 51 | 45 | 5.7 | 4.7
6 | 51 | 45 | 5.7 | 4.6
7 | 51 | 45 | 5.7 | 4.4
8 | 51 | 44 | 5.7 | 4.4
------+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------
Total | 413 | 367 | 6.0 | 4.8
------+-----------+-----------+-----------+------------
The probability is either that it is over-valued for the elementary
school and should receive diminished time; or it is under-valued for
the high school and should be given the dignity and the consideration
of a credit course, as it is in many progressive high schools.
It cannot be urged that the subject is finished in the elementary
schools. Pupils in fact receive only an introductory training in vocal
music. The whole field of instrumental music remains untouched. It
seems the city ought to consider the question of whether the course
ought not to be much expanded and continued throughout the high school
period as an elective subject. However, in considering the question
it should be kept in mind that there are very many things of more
importance and of far more pressing immediate necessity.