What are you talking about? Who said Music ever needed saving?

Music usually isn't the topic affiliated with things like danger and death--I know this. But, some statistics have led to really startling conclusions. If anyone is unfamiliar with the topic, I strongly suggest that you read this: http://www.langlangfoundation.org/sites/default/files/content/documents/CaseforMusicEducation.pdf

Music Education is not as simple as reading symbols or strumming the correct cords. I mean, it is, but there's more than that. As the argument above me elaborates, music education is statistically critical to overall performance, with the essential conclusion that those who practice music and/or study music in their youth tend to be better performing individuals--more successful individuals. This success can be measured any kind of way you'd like. From bigger paychecks to more enriching lifestyles, music is an influence on us that is here to stay with the impact it has on us.

The author of the above details the stunning decline of music education in the U.S. For areas with low-poverty and/or no poverty, music education is widespread. Nearly every child has at least tried to learn an instrument, and many have already mastered one by the time they finish high school. These areas are coincidentally higher in testing scores, college admission statistics, and funding as well. But is it a coincidence? Nay, music is intrinsically linked to our being, and the understanding, enjoyment, and participation in it and associated with the average person spider webs its way into our life. Translating music symbols practices our understanding and problem-solving. Accuracy in our playing and recitals chronicles our ever-present lust to improve and management of our skill sets. Music, for what its worth (which is a lot), is the sleeper influence, and a lot of people may actually take for granted what music provides them. Whether it is something to get better at, something to soothe your mood, or something to understand, as generally as possible, music is a gateway to improvement, to "stepping up your game" in nearly anything you choose to do.

Locally, I see evidence of this. There's one Guitar Center in El Cerritto and a couple of pawn shops to get some salvaged instruments. In my own school, we are lucky to have a full-time music teacher, but I know there are many communities whom do not. Or, if they do have an instructor, there may be a shortage on equipment or time. There's a reason the upper echelon of primary and secondary schooling remains in that very same upper echelon, and I would be a fool to not consider music as a primary factor in that equation. Now, I am in no way leading to a claim along the lines of "music education will give your student straight A's" or "music education guarantees graduation," but I can tell you whole-heartily that, in my personal opinion, music education and participation guarantees are more well-rounded and understanding individual--two things we seem to be lacking at times in this new generation...

Nonetheless, this is not a dire problem now, but it has the potential to be in the future if we do not begin to take the initial steps to do something about. So, this is my first step. Welcome to my blog, of the music, for the music.

Raise the volume,

Will