In recent years, I have heard multiple accounts of schools eliminating music education because of budget cuts. One example of a severe budget cut that involved a program called Class Itinerant Music Teachers (CMIT) that instructed nearly 10,000 students in Philadelphia. And this is where a non-profit organization called VH1 Save The Music Foundation comes into play. This organization is "dedicated to restoring music programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education." There are several ways that you (Yes YOU!) can help save music education.
You could...
- Become a partner
- Sponsor a program
- A principal's guide
- A guide listing the benefits of music education
- A guide to Proactive Advocacy
- A list of "25 things you can do"
- Charitable performances
- Service activities
- Sport activities
- Silent/Live auctions
- Or use your own original idea
- Young benefactors (21 and over)
- Student advocates (elementary, middle, and high school students)
If you think that music education has no benefit other than just for musicians then you're sadly mistaken! According to VH1 Save The Music Foundation, research shows that quality music education...
- Engages students in the classroom
- Improves early cognitive development, math and reading skills
- Enhances learning in other core subjects
- Develops critical thinking and leadership skills
- Fosters self-esteem and the ability to work cooperatively in teams
So if you enjoy music, I would highly suggest taking action today. With today's economy and the way the U.S. Debt is, who knows where music education could end years from now. If we make the effort now, then there is hope. I honestly couldn't imagine what the world would be like if music education was not a part of the school system. Could you?
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