Why Music Education Is Essential + One Very Inspiring Video

"Music, the great communicator..." - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Everyone has their own relationship with music. Mine is quite passionate and emotional. I can't get through a day without it and songs, bands, and albums always become a part of me if I really embrace them. I associate times in my life with the moments I heard the music for the first time, relied on it, and related to the tunes that I treasure. Music is explosive and amazing!

Perhaps it is my love affair with the art of sound, rhythm, melody and harmony that makes it so hard to fathom the reality of its place in our educational system these days. Public schools in the United States are facing major crises in the wake of the withering economy and in most states, seem to be taking it out on many facets of curriculum, including music education. In California, where we live, the state's educational system is reeling from an $8.6 billion cut, which includes thousands of teacher and staff layoffs; not to mention important programs, like music education, being obliterated across the board.

Students are being denied this incredible area of learning that not only contributes to a fondness and appreciation of the arts, but also forsakes important relationships between student and instrument, as well as student and teacher; and for those with the drive to perform, denies a student the experience of an audience as well.

What can we do to make a difference? As with everything else, it takes time, effort, planning and a desire to make a change. I believe that knowledge is key in almost every facet of rousing awareness and activism. So talk to fellow students, parents and teachers; circulate petitions; write letters and talk to administrators; attend district board meetings; and if possible, get the media's attention and enable your voice to be heard.

Brynn rockin' outEven if our efforts fail, it is certainly worth the fight.  And if our children do have to live with a lack of formal music education during their school years, we need to take it upon ourselves to still introduce it into our homes.  All three of our kids have taken music lessons and at various times been enthralled with their instruments. Our daughter, Brynn, is an outstanding guitar player (yes, I'm a proud mom) and lucky for us, fills our home with the sounds of her talent daily. She also plays in a band with two other gifted musicians and has played several local gigs recently.  Though Aidan and Shea don't share in her total dedication at the moment, they are avid music fans, each with their own genre appreciations and I am always thrilled to hear it blasting from their computer or stereos.  Music in the house just makes me smile!!

If there ever was an example of how important music education can be, get a load of THIS wonderfully inspiring video. Enjoy!