Advocacy in Washington DC

Last month, I had the chance to travel to Washington, DC with other members of the music products industry to remind our federal legislators of the importance of music education. This is an especially important time to do that as we continue to wait for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly known as No Child Left Behind).

The week was made possible by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, which Progressive Music is a member of. We spent a day learning about current important issues relating to music education advocacy and traveled to the US Department of Education to see students perform for DoEd staffers as well as Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Duncan re-affirmed a commitment to music education. You can see some highlights on the DoEd website - http://www.ed.gov/blog/2010/05/john-lennon-educational-tour-bus-visits-ed/



The next day, our team stormed Capitol Hill. We meet with members of Congress and their staffers reminding them of the importance of a complete education that includes music. It's amazing but our government is run by a bunch of 20-somethings. The staff members of all of the members of Congress that we met with were all very young but also very knowledgeable. They are the ones who do the research and write the legislation that govern our country.

I walked away from the meetings feeling very good about what we were there to do. No one argues the importance of music education and all pledge to help to keep is a part of the core curriculum of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. I also walked away feeling that I learned so much. I have the wonderful opportunity to meet so many wonderful NAMM members as well as had a chance to experience our government at work.

But - we must all remember that music education advocacy must happen at more places than the federal level. It's vital that we all are aware of the music education situation in our own communities. The decisions on what classes are offered and how they are offered are made at the local level. So - always remember to stay informed of your local situation and be a player in the decision making process by making your voice be heard.

Below is a photo of me with recording artist, Taylor Dayne. She joined us to add her voice to ours as we advocated for music education.