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Academic achievement Get local All editorial content is produced by Mediaplanet Music is linked to higher How you can support and did not involve the news or editorial departments of test scores in your community The Washington Post. Music Education nsley teaser Photo:Jill e rt hanahan, hanahan,

robs 3Facts hoto Starting our youth off on a high note Read about how Jason Mraz is working to make music timWhitehouse, Guitars, teaserlF taylor P education available for all young people Photo: An Independent Supplement from medIAplAnet In the WAShIngton poSt

2 · SePTeMbeR 2011 cHaLLEnGEs Fact A well-rounded education includes access to science, mathe - 1 matics, history and the arts. Unfortunately, with budget cuts loom - PERFORMING ing, music education is often first on the chopping block. MUsIc EXERcIsEs tHE We recommend BRaIN Barry Manilow Music education could be the Discusses the importance of key to ensuring your kid is a ‘rock music education star’ in life. Linking music to success PAGe 07 If your child is enrolled in a school music edu- “When I realized that cation program, he or she might become a “rock star” in more ways than one. he benefits of different brain development and acquired. ensuring that students because of budget According to the National Association of music education improved memory over the course have access to the benefits of problems they were Music Merchants (NAMM), the many ben- are unquestion- of a year, compared to children music education can foster these cutting music and arts efits of learning to play musical instruments able. every year, who do not receive musical train- skills. classes in schools, I include increased self-esteem, improved more studies ing. Musically trained children decided to help.” cognitive skills and higher test scores. unveil the impact performed better in a memory Making change Research supported by NAMM explores that early inter- test that is correlated with general The VH1 Save The Music Foun- the connections between music making and actiont with music has on babies, intelligence skills such as literacy, dation is a non-profit organization academic achievement and has found that toddlers and school age children verbal memory, visiospatial pro- dedicated to ensuring that all chil- children’s overall academic performance is who participate in age appropri- cessing, mathematics, and IQ.” dren have access to the benefits of higher if they participate in a rigorous music ate, sequential music educa- Researchers at the University Laurie Lock music education in America’s public education program. tion. This vast body of scientific of Munster in Germany reported senior director of Programs and Policy schools and to raising awareness music education, 1st edition, A study by Dr. Christopher Johnson at the the Vh1 save the music Foundation research shows that children their discovery that music les- about the importance of music as a sePtember 2011 University of Kansas found that after examin- who have comprehensive music sons in childhood actually part of every child’s complete edu- Publisher: anthony chiaravallo ing the academic progress of 4,739 elemen- education as a part of their early enlarge the brain. The earlier cation. [email protected] tary and middle school students in four U.S. “Without fail, Business Developer: mandy Wilczynski childhood experience and in the musicians were when they Our staff has had the opportunity [email protected] regions, a strong relationship existed between Designer: ariela anelli their school curriculum enjoy started musical training, the high performing to travel across the United States, [email protected] improved success in their stud- bigger this area of the brain visiting schools daily and witness- Managing Director: eric alexander schools have [email protected] ies, think creatively and critically, appears to be. ing firsthand what the research tells Editorial Manager: luciana colapinto stay in school and go on to grad- robust music us. Without fail, high performing [email protected] uate college. competitive edge schools have robust music and arts arts programs contributors: Kym drake, Keith hejna, Nearly 100 percent of past win- programs and often low performing Patsy e. Johnson, ed.d., robert e. Johnson, Ph.d., laurie lock, mandy Brain power ners in the prestigious Siemens and often low schools do not. Simply put, a child’s lynn, barry manilow, ron manus, scott In Norman M. Weinberger’s Westinghouse Competition in education is not complete unless it robertson, the Vh1 save the music performing Foundation “The Music in Our Minds,” he math, science, and technology includes music education. writes, “Learning and perform- (for high school students) play one schools do not. In this report you find a wealth of Distributed within: ing music actually exercise the or more musical instruments. information on the benefits of music the Washington Post, september 2011 Simply put, a this section was created by mediaplanet brain – not merely by developing And this list goes on. Fostering education and how to ensure that and did not involve the news or editorial specific music skills, but also by creativity, innovation and critical child’s educa- your children and the children in departments of the Washington Post. strengthening the synapses thinking has never been more tion is not com- your community have access to a between brain cells. In short, important for our nation’s stu- well-rounded education. making music actively engages dents. The competitive edge that plete unless it For more infortmation on the the brain synapses, increasing the United States has enjoyed for benefits of music education and the brain’s capacity by increas- so many years relies on students includes music what you can do in your commu- FolloW us on FacebooK & tWitter! facebook.com/MediaplanetUsa ing the strengths of connections learning in ways that encourage education.” nity, go to vh1savethemusic.com twitter.com/MediaplanetUsa among neurons.” ingenuity, creativity and high order and supportmusic.com. Mediaplanet’s business is to create new Dr. Laurel Trainor of McMaster thinking. As students prepare to customers for our advertisers by providing University states, “Young children succeed in a global workplace, LAurie Lock readers with high-quality editorial content that motivates them to act. who take music lessons show it is crucial that these skills are [email protected]

Apogee Electronics is a leader in Throughout its 30 year history, Casio professional digital audio deliver- Gibson Foundation is dedicated to making GE Capital supports music educa- has committed to providing musical ing the very best audio interfaces for the world a better place for children through tion and is passionate about helping instruments with features which help pros and aspiring musicians. Apogee its support of other nonprofit organizations music dealers and their customers foster music-making and music edu- products have been instrumental in that advance education, music & the arts, finance their instruments. See our cation such as the Step-Up Lesson making GRAMMY® and OSCAR® health & welfare, and environmental causes. work in the music industry at www. System and key lighting technology; winning recordings. gecapital.com/taylor www.gibsonfoundation.org www.apogeedigital.com inspiring people of all ages. An Independent Supplement from medIAplAnet In the WAShIngton poSt

SePTeMbeR 2011 · 3 insiGHt academic benefits of music education Music education could be the overall academic achievement and participa- key to ensuring your kid is a ‘rock tion in higher-quality school music programs “Playing an instrument star’ in life. versus lower-quality programs or no program participation. develops the whole If your child is enrolled in a school music edu- Specifically, in elementary schools,- stu child and is essential cation program, he or she might become a dents in top-quality music programs scored “rock star” in more ways than one. 22 percent higher in english and 20 percent to a solid foundation According to the National Association of higher in mathematics than students in defi- for achieving their full Music Merchants (NAMM), the many ben- cient music programs. In middle schools, efits of learning to play musical instruments students in top-quality instrumental programs potential for success include increased self-esteem, improved scored 17 percent higher in mathematics in school and in life.” cognitive skills and higher test scores. than children in schools without a music pro- Research supported by NAMM explores gram. the connections between music making and This data inspires NAMM and its mem- academic achievement and has found that bers to advocate each year on Capitol Hill for child and is essential to a solid foundation grassroots level with its SupportMusic Coali- children’s overall academic performance is expanding access to music education in U.S. for achieving their full potential for success tion of nearly 300 global affiliates. To find out higher if they participate in a rigorous music public schools, since many programs have in school and in life,” said NAMM President more about the SupportMusic Coalition or to education program. been cut or threatened because of state and and CeO Joe Lamond. “NAMM and its get involved, visit supportmusic.com. A study by Dr. Christopher Johnson at the local budget cuts. Local support and advo- 9,000 member companies strongly believe University of Kansas found that after examin- cacy efforts for music education continue to that supporting music education programs ing the academic progress of 4,739 elemen- keep programs strong and ensure that music in public schools supports the right of every tary and middle school students in four U.S. and the arts are part of the core curriculum. child to learn and make music.” kym DrAke regions, a strong relationship existed between “Playing an instrument develops the whole NAMM’s ongoing support continues on the [email protected] are our schools leaving music behind? Examining music education in the (MeNC) have worked to keep music educa- and that schools should offer music as efits, parents, teachers and community U.s. is like watching the weather. tion strong since the late 1930s. Currently, part of the regular curriculum (92 percent). leaders are working to achieve the right for It varies wildly by region and is the groups have joined forces to create the Also, eight in ten agree that participating in every child to learn music. unpredictable. SupportMusic Coalition, which works with school music often yields better grades (88 NAMM envisions a world in which the joy non-profit organizations and businesses to percent); that music education should be of making music is a precious element of A recent U.S. Department of education ensure that music is part of a quality educa- mandated by states (80 percent); and that daily living for everyone; a world in which study shows that 15 to 20 percent of mid- tion for all children. music helps teach children discipline (88 every child has a deep desire to learn music dle and high school students are in band, National polling indicates that Americans percent). and a recognized right to be taught; and in choir and orchestra programs. In many believe that music education is important Further, roughly nine in ten believe music which every adult is a passionate champion places, there is no opportunity for music to student success. According to a recent education motivates young people to stay and defender of that right. education because resources are lacking NAMM Gallup poll, the vast majority of in school, agree that participation in music or curriculum has been narrowed to meet respondents agree that there are social and helps prepare young people to be inno- the demands of testing. academic benefits to music education. In vative in the workforce and that playing a Making the case for music education in fact, more than nine in ten completely or musical instrument helps a child develop the core academic curriculum has been mostly agree that: playing in a school band creativity and supports a child’s overall intel- ongoing for decades. The National Associ- is a good way for young people to develop lectual development. ation of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the teamwork skills (96 percent); music is part With this belief in music education and Scott robertSon National Association for Music education of a well-rounded education (94 percent); evidence linking it to developmental ben- [email protected]

The National Association of Music Merchants, Samson Technologies is an industry leader in both Roland Corporation -- Committed to enhancing (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association that uni- consumer and professional audio with three notable music education with creative solutions for inspired fies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global brands: Samson, Hartke and Zoom. Over 250 of our learning. An electronic musical instruments leader musical instruments and sound products industry. products are sold and distributed in over 130 countries offering keyboards, synthesizers, guitar products, NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to worldwide. www.samsontech.com electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, promote music making to people of all ages. For amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia prod- more information, visit www.namm.org or call ucts. www.rolandmusiced.com 800-767-NAMM (6266). 4 · september 2011 september 2011 · 5 InspIratIon

FACT Q&A with industry 2 “Mr. a—Z” gets personal

CuCuTTInGnG MuMuSIC expert ron MAnus PRoGRAMS DoES noT SAVE MonEy Why is music education im- portant? “music changed science has all but confirmed my attitude about that human beings are wired to respond to music. studies have school, and my also suggested that someday grades went up— music may even help patients heal from parkinson’s disease or so did my a stroke. self-esteem.” music education spurs cre- Ron Manus ativity, leading to the discovery CEO, Alfred Music Publishing of one’s uniqueness and one’s In THE CLASSRooM special voice in this world. In then NArAs president michael How can people get in- Jason Mraz visits Harlem terms of performance situations, Greene blasted the adminis- volved? Village Academies. music exposes us to leader- tration for neglecting a subject All politics are local. there Photo: Kellyann Petry ship and teamwork experience that was critical to societies probably is not a more power- through solo and ensemble even at the time of the great ful group of constituents than Jason Mraz is best known to go to a school that invested in breaks. He says, “It was amazing performance—not to men- Greek civilization. soon after music parents: band, choir, for his catchy lyrics and not only music programs, but high to me how just singing could pro- tion building self-esteem and that, the secretary of educa- and orchestra boosters. they upbeat original songs, quality teachers as well. He says, vide all this opportunity.” learning the value of hard work tion at the time, Lamar Alexan- should become educated on but in his spare time, “I was blessed to have amazing Jason acknowledges that and commitment. In my own der developed a separate Arts the benefits of music education Jason also partners with teachers in my public schools. having a music education offers personal experience, in junior partnership. However, music by going to the supportmu- programs like “VH Save they spent a lot of time on theory, more than just an ability to play an high school, I didn’t feel like I education was changed for- sic.com website and using all The Music” and “SPARC” studying classical music, and the instrument or sight read. “being in fit in with the other kids, and ever and this led to the devel- the great tools that have been (a program that he partici- proper techniques. there was a music classroom, you’re work- then I took a class on learning opment of the National Coali- developed by many individuals pated in at the age of six in also a lot of emphasis on musical ing and harmonizing with others guitar and all of a sudden I felt tion for music education in the and organizations advocating his hometown of Mechan- history.” in unity. It forces you to get out of like I belonged. music changed UsA as well as music coalition the importance of music edu- icsville, VA) to make sure He worries that future genera- your comfort zone and gives you a my attitude about school, and organizations in most U sA cation. Work closely with your young people have the tions won’t have the same kind sense of accomplishment.” my grades went up – so did my states and many international teachers and local administra- same opportunities he had. of exposure to the arts. “It really Jason credits his musical self-esteem. so I guess I am one countries. tors to help develop a positive breaks my heart and makes me so involvement for not just social, but of many success stories that In addition to the scientific but very strong message on the He didn’t know he would pursue nervous. I can’t imagine a genera- also educational success. telling demonstrate the power of music research conducted on the benefits of music education and music as a career until he was in tion of kids that grow up without stories and learning different lan- education. benefits of music, the NAmm the fact that cutting music edu- high school, but music was a part those opportunities. music has guages were both elements that Foundation formed support- cation programs does not save of Jason’s life well before his teen- given me everything in my life.” attracted him to choral programs. What is being done to ad- music (supportmusic.com) money. In fact, cutting music age years. As a child, he would In his school system, music was He and his musical peers were vance the cause? to provide resources for local education actually increases rather listen to music than watch offered beginning in 2nd grade. singing “quite a mouthful” at a very there is a lot that is being done communities to use in fighting costs because where before tV. He started playing the trumpet young age. to advance the cause. the for music programs with local you had a band teacher teach- He credits his mother for inspir- in 5th grade but quickly learned He summarizes, “If there wasn’t music and parent community administrators and politicians. ing 100 kids in his/her program, ing his passion at such a young that he couldn’t sing music with music in my school, I probably has rallied to support music Now, when an administrator that program would now have to age and notes, “It takes parents a trumpet in his mouth, and by wouldn’t have graduated from

education. When the U sA or politician tries to eliminate be replaced by three teachers. JASon MRAz to make this happen.” His par- the next year he was set on cho- high school.” National education Goals were a music program, there is an Double Grammy-Winning, ents never stood in the way of his rus. by high school, his musical first proposed by George H. W. army of supporters ready with singer-songwriter, raised desire to pursue music – “they adventures expanded to concert over $55,000 for the VH1 bush, the arts were not part of real scientific data to show Save The Music Foundation. never tried to talk me out of it.” choir, show choir, and different the core curriculum. A speech how this does not save money RoN MANus Photo: tim Whitehouse, taylor His parents weren’t his only musical competitions, both dur- MANDY LYNN on the Grammy Awards by to cut these programs. [email protected] Guitarst support system. Jason was lucky ing the school year and summer [email protected]

Founded in 1974, Taylor Guitars has evolved Finale® is the world standard for music nota- SmartMusic® interactive software for band, The original Fillmore believed in music’s majesty Music Teachers National Association is a professional asso- Remo, Inc., manufacturer of drumheads, drums and ciation of nearly 22,000 independent and collegiate music other percussion instruments has spent more than into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tion, providing you with the flexibility and free- orchestra, and voice transforms student practice. in 1961…and we believe in it even more today. premium acoustic and electric guitars. Many of dom to create any music you can imagine. With SmartMusic students practice with background Together with the community of Montgomery teachers, committed to advancing the value of music study 50 years developing quality drum products. Remo and music making to society and supporting the professio- is an unwavering supporter of Music Education and today’s leading musicians make Taylor their guitar Compose, arrange, notate, and print engraver accompaniment and get instant feedback on their County we’re bringing The Fillmore’s music legacy of choice, including Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, quality sheet music. Your music comes alive performance. Order your subscription today at www. to life with a new generation. The Fillmore Silver nalism of music teachers. www.mtna.org the connection of music to an individual’s well-being. www.remo.com Zac Brown and Taylor Swift. For additional infor- with Finale. smartmusic.com Spring opens September 2011. mation, please visit us at www.taylorguitars.com Find out more at www.finalemusic.com www.fillmoresilverspring.com An Independent Supplement from medIAplAnet In the WAShIngton poSt

6 · SePTeMbeR 2011 Fact insiGHt 3

MUsIsIc LEaRNING caN LEaDaD tO tools for teaching young INcREasED cOGNItIVE children about music FUNctIONING the years between birth Movement and rhythm Parental encouragement and age five are critical for Music education for young children A nurturing parent, whose smile, young children in terms of should also include developing the facial expressions, hugs, applause, development. the results of one response that seems to begin and other signs of encouragement research on music and brain naturally almost at birth—rhythm. add to the excitement of learning development reveal the After a period of movement explo- music, can enhance any program benefits of music education ration with large and small muscles, of music education. Participating for young children. rhythmic learning begins with eas- in music activities with the child is ily performed motions, such as a encouraging and enjoyable, and it Researchers have concluded that lap-pat with both hands or march- presents opportunities for feedback the multiplicity of experiences found ing to the beat. These motions are as the child negotiates the trial-and- in active and substantive music repeated in a variety of settings with error process of learning to imitate learning can lead to increased cog- the goal of increasing accuracy in performance models. nitive functioning in a wide range of matching the model. abilities such as math, language, Benefits of substantive and spatial-temporal reasoning. Instruments and music learning Since music learning has been music concepts Recent research in brain growth BRass INstRUMENts found to positively impact intel- A substantive music education and development finds that music a young student learns lectual development, parents are program for young children also learning affects the “wiring” of about music concepts during school practice. feeling an urgency to educate their extends tonal learning from the the brain. Studies have shown Photo: Jill EnslEy young children with a substantive singing voice to pitched instru- that music learning in the form of and developmentally appropriate ments, such as tone bells or the increasingly complex rhythmic, program of music instruction. piano. The patterns learned tonal, and performance skills, espe- The preschool age is the period with the singing voice become cially in young children, enhances of most rapid growth in cognitive the patterns played on an instru- the development of those parts ability. Therefore, it is the best time ment. The mind is challenged to of the brain that control memory, to engage children in an active pro- understand the instrument’s tone mathematical reasoning, verbal gram of music education. Such a making capabilities, to accommo- competence, and muscular control. program requires learning accurate date coordinated muscle move- This enhancement occurs because singing and rhythmic performance, ments required to play the instru- significant music learning is a widely a vocabulary of tonal and rhythm ment and to make the judgments distributed neural response in the patterns, and a repertoire of songs required to compare the patterns brain and this distribution overlaps and musical masterworks. It also sung with those played on instru- those brain structures that control requires engaging the child in such ments. Transferring the functions general intelligence. mental functions as imitation, recall, of imitating, recognizing, recalling Parents are looking for mean- recognition, and improvisation. At and improvising from the voice to ingful music learning experiences each step, learning is strengthened an instrument excites the brain to that also develop the brains of through repetition and with rein- respond to these novel dimen- their preschool children. They are forcement by parents and others sions of music making. on the right track when they find significant in the child’s life. These Likewise, rhythmic learning programs that focus on tonal and substantive learning requirements can be enhanced and expanded rhythmic patterns in music, work go well beyond the informal and through instrumental perfor- on developing the singing voice, casual playtime music experiences mance. Non-pitched instruments, sharpen listening skills and provide of most preschool children. such as drums and woodblocks a basic repertoire of music to love (or even homemade instruments and remember. No other learning Voice control such as boxes, sticks, or kitchen activity engages so many senses, Music education for young children pots) extend the muscle move- interconnects so many parts of the should include developing the one ment and coordination, and brain, and provides so much enjoy- basic instrument common to all hence the brain activity, required ment. learners—the singing voice. The to perform the rhythmic patterns Curriculum suggestions provided child learns control of the voice and learned. The mind is also chal- by the Music Intelligence Project. breathing functions through exer- lenged here to adjust mental cises that expand the pitch range, control of muscle movements improve pitch stability, and refine the required to perform on the instru- sound quality. A program should ments and to understand the var- provide models of singing perfor- ied expressive effects of rhythms robert e. JohnSon, Ph.D. mance and opportunities for imita- emanating from a variety of sound PAtSy e. JohnSon, eD.D. tion to develop singing accuracy. sources. [email protected] An Independent Supplement from medIAplAnet In the WAShIngton poSt

SePTeMbeR 2011 · 7 insPiRation

Barry Manilow, musician and songwriter, has taken on a new title: philanthropist. He is using his fame for a good cause and spreading awareness for the many benefits of music education through his program, the Manilow Music Project. Barry Manilow lends a hand to music Why have you devoted so Yamaha Corporation, Hal Leon- Isn’t that enough proof that music much time to ensuring ard Publishing and raise money is more than just “play time”? that other people have the any way we can. opportunity to engage How has music influenced in music? Do you think music can your life? When I realized that because make a difference in a Music is not what I do… it’s who I of budget problems, they were child’s success? am. It informs all of my choices. My cutting music and arts classes When I spoke to Los Angles family knew I was musical when I in schools around the country, I Superintendent, Ray Cortinez was very young, but because they decided to help because maybe about music in the schools, he had no money, they didn’t know there is a budding bacharach out told me that when they cut music what to do with me. It was up to me there, and like me when I was classes, the students don’t come when I grew up to make a decision young, they need the opportunity back the next semester. That’s to make music my career. but there to learn. how important music is to chil- was very little choice. Music was I created the Manilow Music dren. coming out of my ears. I could not Project. It sounds like a big orga- every teacher I speak to tells — not make music. nization, but really it’s only a table me that with music classes, the To learn more go to manilowmu- full of friends trying our best to students’ grades go up, they sicproject.org. help schools around the coun- interact with others and they BaRRy MaNILOW RaIsEs FUNDs FOR MUsIc students perform during a try. We work with the generous become better human beings. [email protected] fund-raiser for the Manilow Music Project. Mute child finds his voice

One year ago, other children so much, and his standardized test described akil McDowell as scores have increased dramati- the kid who didn’t speak. cally—so have his social interactions Now, they describe him as with other kids. the kid who speaks with his The children who used to tease him guitar! and bully him now beg him to play the guitar for them. He even started Akil is a 10-year-old Philadelphia composing his own songs and giving student who suffers from Selec- pointers to other students. tive Mutism Disorder. He has not When professional recording uttered a word in school since he artist Joshua Radin visited a class, akIL McDOWELL PERFORMs LIVE began attending. Aside from mak- Akil surprised his peers, teachers akil (center) onstage with Joshua Radin ing his academic life difficult, Akil’s and therapists when he accepted and two classmates at thet rocadero theatre. disorder makes social interaction the invitation to join him onstage at nearly impossible. The Trocadero Theater to perform “It’s inspiring to His teacher, Anne Tenaglia, Radin’s hit song “brand New Day” attended a free professional devel- for more than 1,200 fans. The expe- learn that giv- opment workshop by a non-profit rience touched Radin personally, ing a child the called Little Kids Rock, that then who says he is proud that he could donated dozens of guitars, drums help. opportunity to and keyboards to her classroom. “I’ve witnessed Akil’s academic learn to play an They also provided her with an inno- and social growth first-hand since vative curriculum geared toward he took up the guitar,” Tenaglia instrument can providing beginners with instant says. “It’s inspiring to learn that giv- open doors like musical success, enabling Akil to ing a child the opportunity to learn to quickly find his voice in the guitar. play an instrument can open doors nothing else “If he is not eating, sleeping or like nothing else can.” can.” doing homework, he is playing gui- tar,” his mother said. Learning to play guitar has built keith heJnA Akil’s confidence and work ethic [email protected] An Independent Supplement from medIAplAnet In the WAShIngton poSt

8 · SePTeMbeR 2011 nEws

MaRcHING BaND students march in-sync while performing with their school band. Photo: Jill EnslEy taKe aCtion!The top 25 things you can do to keep music in your schools ■ 1. start early finalized; participate in school or be guest conductors of stu- after so that community lead- ■■ 21. Let parents know their Provide your child with access budget hearings and monitor dent ensembles. ers can start conversations with options to the benefits of music educa- district and school support for ■■ 11. start the party music supporters. arrange for your local music tion from birth; sing to your ba- music and the arts. encourage school staff to be in- ■■ 16. spread the word program to perform at local pre- by, move to music and feel the ■■ 6. stay on top of current volved in the school music pro- help create program inserts schools, elementary, and mid- joy of making music together. information gram. do teachers at the school highlighting the benefits of mu- dle schools. Get students and Visit your local community mu- Keep up-to-date on current re- play an instrument, sing or have sic education for your school their parents excited about all sic school to find musical op- search supporting the benefits children who study music? if so, concerts and performance cen- the music learning opportunities portunities and discover what of music education. encourage them to be involved ters throughout your communi- that can be part of their future in you can do to get started. ■■ 7. Make it about the stu- in rehearsals and concerts. ty. these can be inserted into all school. ■■ 2. know the law dents ■■ 12. Go local concert programs. ■■ 22. take it to congress ensure that your local school Keep all advocacy efforts cen- encourage parents, students ■■ 17. Involve different groups Write a letter to your member administrators, teachers, legis- tered around education, and and/or influential members of bring students to perform at lo- of congress about the value of lators and community members spread news about the accom- the community to write an op-ed cal civic organizations such as music education in your com- know that the elementary and plishments of students. piece on the value of music edu- the Kiwanis, lions and rotary munity and take a delegation secondary education act in- ■■ 8. Form a coalition cation for your local newspaper. clubs and highlight the impor- of music students to meet with cludes music and arts as “core” encourage parents and com- invite a local news reporter to do tance of music education. your congressional represen- academic subjects; support this munity members to become ad- a story or ask a newspaper to ■■ 18. Make it official tative at their local office. list policy for your local school. vocates for your community’s donate a full-page ad highlight- obtain an official proclamation upcoming local school music ■■ 3. Get quality educators school music programs and ing the benefits of music educa- from your mayor or city council events and invite him or her to check that your local schools form a local coalition. For de- tion; highlight student participa- leaders dedicating the month of attend. provide access to the benefits tailed information on building a tion and accomplishments in all march as “music in our schools ■■ 23. Do your homework of music education taught by coalition, please visit vh1savet- forms of media, wherever pos- month.” Write letters to legislators sup- highly qualified teachers just like hemusic.com. sible - a great music program is ■■ 19. Reach out to tV and porting music education. re- the other core academic sub- ■■ 9. schedule performances the best advocacy! radio search the academic and social jects. to learn more about the for decision-makers ■■ 13. Establish an award ask your local television and benefits of music study and be opportunity to learn standards arrange for your school music nominate an administrator who radio stations to publicly rec- sure to include these in your let- for music education and to rate program to perform at school has demonstrated strong sup- ognize local music programs ters to advocate for music edu- your school music program, go board meetings regularly. on port for music for a “music edu- throughout the year and salute cation. to supportmusic.com and click appropriate occasions, follow cation award” given by the local “music in our schools month” ■■ 24. Get donations on “Grade your school music this with comments from stu- or state music educators asso- in march. Follow this by provid- encourage local businesses to Program.” dents about why music educa- ciation or establish one in your ing a calendar of local musical support music programs with ■■ 4. Get involved tion is important. allow school district. events during march and ask special donations for special Participate in school and/or dis- board members to see and hear ■■ 14. Rally support your local media to dedicate projects that supplement core trict planning committees in- the value of music education! Participate in the national com- them to “music in our schools education funds from the dis- cluding curriculum, assessment don’t wait until there is a threat munity recognition program month.” trict. be sure that this support and budget. Position music ed- to the music program. presented by the namm Foun- ■■ 20. Get competitive is not seen as a replacement for ucation as an important instruc- ■■ 10. Make friends dation “best communities for sponsor an essay competition district funding of music pro- tional tool for improved stu- identify key supporters of music music education” and use this for students to write about why grams. dent learning and to close the education including members designation to ramp up support music is important to them. ■■ 25. articulate the issues achievement gap. of the school board, adminis- for your music education pro- arrange for the local newspa- be involved in local, state and ■■ 5. Participate in budget tration, school faculty, parents, gram. per to run the winning entry. or national music education orga- discussions media, and influential civic and ■■ 15. Educate your com- participate in school band and nizations and the national coali- understand the budget pro- business leaders. build relation- munity orchestra magazine’s annual tion for music education at cess in your district and school, ships with these individuals be- turn a local performance into an essay contest for the poten- supportmusic.com. including how your music pro- fore threats to the music pro- “informance” by placing inter- tial to win scholarship funds: gram is funded and when gram are apparent; invite them esting music facts inside con- sbomagazine.com/essay-con- the vh1 SAve the muSic founDAtion the b u d g et is dis cu s s e d a n d to concerts, greet the audience cert programs. hold a reception test. [email protected]