I completely agree with what was written by Caleb Chapman - current President of JEN, Jazz Education Network - regarding music education.
We can all do more!
I am copying a quick translation by Angelo Valori:
Music education in our country is intermittent and obsolete.
This is the bad news. The good news is that we have thousands of dedicated and passionate educators in our schools, and access to cutting-edge technology that most of us never dreamed possible 15 years ago.
We are particularly spoiled in Utah with some of the best educators in the nation, as demonstrated by the consistent quality of our public school ensembles, including groups, orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs, and concert bands.
While there are fortunately some exceptions, one usually feels as if there is a great missed opportunity for us, as educators, to connect with our communities through music that resonates. The audience for student performances is often minimal and limited, with parents having to attend.
Let's imagine a different scenario for a moment.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child had access to a music education that inspired and motivated them? That connected them to their essence? That allowed them to express themselves with the uniqueness of their own voice?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if specific music were taught because it can achieve the greatest change in the student? That we didn't just teach pieces or styles simply because that is how it has been done for decades?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our students' performances were full of audiences not because (people) feel obligated to be there, but because they are hungry for the joy and exaltation of the experience? That communities supported music education not out of guilt, but because they cannot bear the thought of living without it? That our young musicians felt appreciated for the countless hours of work required in practice?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we celebrated music education because it brings happiness to the performer as well as the listener and makes our lives better in many ways, instead of trying to convince people that we do it to improve math and science scores?
All of this is possible. But if we want a different result, we must be able to accept change.
I am used to being called controversial, and that is fine. But the reality is that we have the tools and the opportunity not only to preserve music training for the next generation, but to expand it immensely!
