Why Music?

What do people have to say about the importance of music education?

“There is  practical reason for music education: it teaches people to think, to solve problems, to take risks, to think independently, to be an entrepreneur and innovator. The virtues of music education are the virtues of  free enterprise in general and of a high tech, knowledge based society in particular: flexibility, adaptability, inventiveness, even playfulness."- William E. LaMothe (C.E.O., Xerox Company)

"In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’ – and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource – our children.”- John Sykes (President, VH1)

“The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results. . . Not a bad preparation for the workforce!”- Gregory Anrig (President, Educational Testing Service)

“Music is an essential part of everything we do. Music has an abstract quality which speaks to a worldwide audience in a wonderful way that nourishes the soul.”- Jim Henson (Television producer and puppeteer)

“It is our job, as parents, educators, and friends, to see that our young people have the opportunity to attain the thorough education that will prepare them for the future. Much of that education takes place in the classroom. We must encourage our youngsters in such pursuits as music education. In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.”- Edward H. Rensi (President and C.O.O., U.S.A. McDonald's Corporation)

“A grounding in the arts will help our children to see; to bring a uniquely human perspective to science and technology. In short, it will help them as they grow smarter to also grow wiser.”- Robert E. Allen (Chairman and C.E.O., AT&T Corporation)

“Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it’s essential to being human.”- Jewel (Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist)

"Music is a way for young people to connect with themselves as well as a bridge for connecting with others. Through music, we can introduce children to the richness and diversity of the human family and to the myriad rhythms of life."- Daniel A. Carp (C.E.O., Eastman Kodak)

"Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation. By studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives and experience the world from a new perspective."- President Bill Clinton

"The arts are an important component of education. Music reaches us and teaches us in ways that can enlighten, and inspire for a lifetime. Some people may see music as entertainment, not relevant to the problems of the day, but music is very important in giving a sense of direction and purpose to the youth of our society."- John Bryan (C.E.O., Sara Lee Corporation)

"During the Gulf War, music brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children."- General H. Norman Schwarzkopf (United States Army)

"Music has a great power for bringing people together. With so many forces in this world driving wedges between people, it's important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity."- Ted Turner (Corporate Executive)

"If I had not studied music, there would be no Macintosh computers today."- Jef Raskin (One of the inventors of the Macintosh computer)

"The human element of making music is what's most important."- Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)

"I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. Children have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training- training that prepares them to become confident young men and women."- Richard W. Riley (Former US Secretary of Education)