Music Education May Be 'Left Behind' Under New Federal Requirements: "'The law clearly identifies the arts as a core academic subject,' explains American Music Conference Executive Director Rob Walker. 'However, the requirements for standardized testing in literacy, math and science are leading local districts to divert resources away from other subjects. As a result, the arts are truly being left behind. We fear most of all that music, which is a vital learning pathway for children's success in school, is being sacrificed for shorter-term testing results. We're talking about what kids need to be successful learners.'"