History of Advocacy

As the Fordham Institute declared, California has the finest educational content standards in the country. These standards intentionally include the Arts, with provisions for performing arts, visual arts, dance, and MUSIC.

Music education is an integral component to learning as well as the human experience. Study after study has linked it to the cognitive and collaborative skills vital to learning. It enhances problem solving and academic achievement while also encouraging creative thinking and emotional responses. No recorded human society has ever been without music.

Remember when every classroom had a piano and a music teacher? Not anymore. Every year more and more children lose access to music education especially at the elementary school level. Diminishing elementary school programs mean diminishing interest in music education and a tragic loss for our children.

Music helps us pass on our stories and share our cultural history. Ultimately, music helps us define our collective and individual humanity. As the caretakers of our children and their futures, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child has access to music education. It is not just for fun. It is necessary.