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U.S. Congress Recognizes School-Based Music Education
NAMM efforts lead to unanimous vote for U.S. House resolution 121 and first-ever Senate resolution proclaiming support of music education; Senate calls for study of access to arts education.
In an important victory for music education, members of Congress unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 121, a bipartisan resolution stating that learning music in schools is important because it develops skills needed by the 21st century workforce, such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and teamwork; keeps students engaged in school and makes them more likely to graduate; and helps students achieve in other academic subjects such as math, science and reading.
NAMM representatives provided the bill's presenters - Reps. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) and Jon Porter (R-Nev.) - with research outlining the many social, developmental and educational benefits for school-aged children. The bi-partisan resolution had strong support; in addition to Re-. Cooper, the original sponsor and introducer of the resolution, 35 co-sponsors signed the resolution.
"A lot of folks who have had the privilege of a music education take it for granted," said Rep. Cooper. "But 30 million or more of our children across this country every day are being deprived of that chance to not only experience the joy of music but, as my colleagues have mentioned, the increased and enhanced learning abilities that music offers and also the ability of music to deter people from gangs and drugs and other undesirable activities."
Sens. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) have also put forth a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government's research and policy arm, requesting that the GAO conduct a study on access to music and arts education in the American public school system since the passage of the NO Child Left Behind Act. The two lawmakers also introduced a Senate resolution recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education.
"No child should be deprived of the chance to explore his or her creativity in a nurturing educational environment," said Dodd. "I am hopeful that the GAO will act quickly to deliver findings about the current condition of arts education in American public schools so that we can seek to improve it during the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act."
Added Alexander: "Music education is important. I had some great teachers, but my piano teacher, Miss Lennis Tedford, was the best. From age 5 until my high school senior recital, I spent 30 minutes with her each week. From Miss Tedford, I learned more than music. She taught me the discipline of Czerny and the metronome, the logic of Bach, the clean joy of Mozart. She encouraged me to let my emotions run with Chopin and Rachmaninoff. She made sure I was ready for the annual piano competition, and that I performed completely under control. I still thank her for the discipline and love of music she gave me each time I sit at the piano today."
Source: NAMM PLAYback Magazine, Summer 2007.
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