there's a significant amount of research to suggest that arts education prepares students to become more successful Later in life. 

Here are a few links to some articles/studies:

1. Your Brain On Music (Interactive website from the University of Central Florida documenting research on the impact of music on various parts of the brain). 

2. A Hard-Headed Case for Music Education: Address by Dan Pink on how music education is key for every student (2009).

3. The Benefits of Music Education: Overview of neuroscience research published by The Royal Conservatory (2014)

4. Learning, Arts, and the Brain: Summary of neuroscience study results published in the 2008 Dana Consortium Report.

5. Hearing the Music, Honing the Mind: Scientific American article about the benefits of music study (2010).

6. Music Students Don’t Just Learn Notes (1 page): Promotion on top-ten skills children learn from arts study (source: Washington Post).

7. College & Career Readiness (2-page): Promotion on the impact of the arts on student success in college and careers.

8. Creativity in the 21st Century Workforce: Creativity and innovation are the keys to our
   students’ future success. Summary of address by Dan Pink and other business leaders to the Texas Legislature (2009).

9. Texas Legislative Briefing on Music Education: Dan Pink addresses members of the Texas Legislature about how critical teaching arts education is (2009).

10. Voices in the Arts: College Board publication on the importance of arts education (2010).

And then there's this!

The Texas Medical Center Orchestra

That's right! A symphony orchestra comprised mostly of DOCTORS and health care professionals who just happen to play instruments!