The Music programs in Birmingham City Schools are designed to offer experiences for our students that are life changing.  These programs are comprehensive and have been known to enhance a student’s creativity, critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, as well as improve students’ performance skills in other core subject areas.  Similarly, the study of music is important to the child’s personal feelings, intellectual, physical, and social growth, and is a significant part of the cultural heritage of all people.  Through music, children will have the opportunity to build self-discipline, to work cooperatively within groups, and to effectively express themselves.  When we teach a child to sing or play an instrument, we teach them how to listen.