Those of us who have enjoyed an education in music are aware of its many benefits. Besides musical abilities and a lifelong appreciation of music, music education develops creativity, responsibility, discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, pride in results, group cooperation, confidence, social and communications skills, emotional maturity, and many other valuable traits and skills. In short, music education provides excellent preparation for life. And that is, of course, precisely the goal of our educational system.
Yet in recent years budget constraints, scheduling trends, and public apathy have combined to put music education in our schools at risk. In many school systems music educator positions are being reduced or eliminated. Music budgets, always inadequate, are being cut or allowed to diminish in real value. And scheduling changes in many schools are forcing students to drop music, or relegating music to extracurricular status.
How can an established educational program with such proven benefits be allowed to wither?
Politicians, administrators, and school officials find the funding and resources to provide the programs the public values. And surveys show the majority of the population wants music education in our schools—according to Gallup, 93% agree that music is part of a well-rounded education, and 86% feel all schools should offer instrumental music as part of the regular curriculum.
The problem is that we are not consolidating this latent support and expressing our views. We have to remind the decision-makers that we feel music education is important, and that the people in the community want their children to have the opportunity of a music education.
If your music program faces threats in staffing, funding, or scheduling, the following pages are designed to assist you in mounting a defense. Of course, the most effective defense for a music program is creating the organization and support before threats develop.
The community is ready and willing to support the cause of music education. They are waiting only for a leader/organizer. And if the job is going to be done, that role almost certainly must be yours.
