Music advocacy: what counts is the seed.(Forum Focus: Arts Awareness and Advocacy)

Can you imagine a world without music and the arts? Of course not! Why not? Perhaps, because you and 1 have had the luxury of involvement in music for most of our lives. We almost take it for granted--music will always be there. We take it as a given that most people enjoy and value music. We probably assume most people share our viewpoint: music and the arts are vital components of a civilized society.

Unfortunately, for millions of young students there is a different reality. There are no music and arts classes offered during the school day and if they are, it's possible the classes are offered after school or require that a fee be paid. This may put music and arts education programs outside the reach of a struggling family's resources.

Sadly, the erosion of school music programs is increasing at a rapid pace due to many reasons: mandates to increase test scores in math and English; more options in elective subjects and a lack of resources: not enough space, not enough students, not enough equipment and, unfortunately, not enough qualified music teachers.

There is further evidence of the erosion of support for music and music education. Have you been to a concert recently? Have you noticed the number of empty seats? Have you noticed the age of the audience members? A majority of them seem to be well over 50 years old. Where are the young people? Why aren't they attending concerts?

Of course in some communities there may no longer be a local orchestra and if there is, it may not be performing as often as in the past. What has happened? What went wrong? Don't people value the arts? Is there a cause and effect? Can we draw the conclusion that after 30 years of sustained cuts in school music programs, we have severely damaged our cultural landscape? What can be done to change this situation?

The bigger question, in my opinion, is, "How has a lack of music and arts education programs affected our young students?" The painter, Joan Miro said, "More important than a work of art itself is what it will sow. Art can die, a painting can disappear. What counts is the seed."

Recent scientific research has drawn attention to the positive connection that music making has on developing the brain and improving learning abilities--especially in the area of critical thinking. Additional research has pointed out the beneficial effects that music making has on improving health and reducing stress. Most of all, music making enhances lives and opens hearts. I recently heard Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas say, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a society where kids carried guitars and violins instead ...