October means students are back in school and beginning another exciting (and musically charged) school year. We know you are busily involved with homework and extracurricular activities, so we’ve found some eye-grabbing news on music education for your perusal. When you’re ready for a breather, be sure to enjoy these pieces of news!
Beyond Baby Mozart, Students Who Rock, The New York Times – Music Will does more than just donate instruments. We are transforming children’s lives through music, and changing the way that music education is offered in public schools. This article stirs the pot and prompts some very intriguing discussion, which led to the followup article the following week…
Rock Is Not The Enemy, The New York Times
‘Glee’ DVD maker donates to music education, The Associated Press – Earlier this month, Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment announced a $1 million donation fund for school arts programs across the country. The fund will be distributed to 73 schools nationwide in December 2011 and eligible high schools are asked to submit videos expression why their schools deserve the money. Click HERE to see how your school can get a chance to win!
Music Will ambassador Scott Burstein and Monte Pittman, HLN – Last month, Music Will ambassador Scott Burstein sat down with rock star and Music Will honorary board member Monte Pittman to discuss the state of music education in Los Angeles public schools, and nationwide. Music Will is providing an entirely new way of educating children through music!
For Nashville schools, homework will now include country, rock and rap, The Wall Street Journal Speakeasy Blog – Aiming to improve music education in Nashville, Mayor Karl Dean announced a new initiative in September that will spice up existing music programs in the city’s 144 public schools. Students can expect classes in country, rock, and rap music (maybe even pick up some DJ-ing skills) to supplement traditional music curriculum and instruction. Budget negotiations are pending, but there is strong support coming from benefactors in Nashville’s music industry.
Music and Our Children, The Huffington Post – Agnes Gund of the International Council of The Museum of Modern Art re-examines her usual lament on funding cutbacks for music education and explains ways that communities, classrooms and children are coming together regularly to make music. Says Agnes, “Sound is the medium in which children seem naturally to live.”
Two Teachers Defend Music Education on Youtube, GOOD Magazine – A video by Two Teachers and a Microphone Productions, this title speaks pretty clearly for itself. (This article somehow resurfaced and we’re glad it did!)
If you’ve recently come across an interesting article or trend, share a link in the comments below and we’ll add it to our next round up.