New Data: Guitar students out-perform their peers in Title 1 Schools
At Austin Classical Guitar, we believe that music has the power to transform lives — and recent data from our Title 1 school programs in Austin ISD reinforces that belief.
Using data from the just-completed 2024-25 school year, we compared academic and behavioral measures of students enrolled in our Title 1 middle and high school guitar programs with their non-guitar peers at the same campuses. The results were inspiring!
Title 1 Middle Schools
The middle school data includes 9 campuses with 627 guitar students.
Guitar students outperformed their non-guitar peers in every STAAR-tested subject where data was available:
- Reading: +5.36%
- Math: +2.22%
- Writing: +1.49%
- Science: +4.9%
Guitar students also had lower suspension rates — 8.93% compared to 14.26% for non-guitar peers, a 5.33% reduction.
Title 1 High Schools
The high school data includes 5 campuses with 392 guitar students.
Guitar students outperformed their peers in all STAAR subjects and End-of-Course (EOC) exams:
- Reading: +3.95%
- Math: +3.11%
- Writing: +4.92%
- Science: +11.51%
- Social Studies: +8.56%
EOC exams:
- Biology: +8.78%
- English I: +3.55%
- English II: +1.88%
- US History: +10.74%
Guitar students also had less than half the suspension rate of their peers — 6.12% compared to 13.19%.
Region Ensemble Participation Summary: 2024–2025 Overall Participation
- Total students auditioned: increased from 59 in 2024 to 86 in 2025 — a 46% growth. ● Total schools represented: rose from 10 to 17 — a 70% increase. ● Title 1 participation: the number of Title 1 schools represented doubled (6 to 12), and Title 1 student participation increased by 44%.
Free Lessons Program Impact
- Free lesson recipients auditioning: grew from 19 to 29 — a 53% increase. ● Free lesson recipients accepted: rose from 8 to 10, even as overall competition increased.
- The program reached new campuses, including Northeast High School, where all participating students are part of the Teaching Artist program.
Free Lessons recipients earned top placements, including a first chair placement and a sixth chair finish by our Javier Niño Scholarship recipient.
Title 1 Engagement
Participation from Title 1 schools continues to be strong:
● Title 1 students accepted: increased from 19 in 2024 to 23 in 2025. ● Title 1 schools represented among accepted students: rose from 4 to 5.
Why does this matter?
These consistent academic gains and lower suspension rates tell a powerful story: In schools that often face the toughest challenges, guitar is a catalyst for engagement, learning, and positive behavior. These classes are helping kids find their voices, build confidence, and thrive.
At ACG, we’re proud to be part of these students’ journeys — and we’re committed to bringing the power of music to every classroom that needs it.