If you were a music teacher today – what would you do?

I’ve just finished a quarterly conference call with our steering committee that provides ideas and support for the ongoing work of the SupportMusic Coalition – a national network of organizations and businesses that are working to support music in our schools.

We had a great discussion about the ongoing goals of the Coalition. Among the ideas was the need of the Coalition to provide news about what is happening on the federal level, especially in light of the changes for Congress in the November election. Look for an update on federal education policy for the December 15 conference call, live from the MidWest Clinic in Chicago.

A reminder was also put forth that “local advocacy will once again be more important than ever since more and more education decisions are happening on the local level” considered in the context of national and state policy. For update (minutes and mp3) on Coalition conference calls this fall, go to HERE.

This led to a discussion about “what was the state of music teachers today, three months into the school year as they are planning for holiday concerts.” It was my sense by what was shared that music teachers are very anxious about the status of their jobs relative to school funding realities and they are very worried about losing their programs – for many, their life’s work. Many teachers are also reluctant to start advocacy efforts with fears of “lobbying to retain their own jobs.”

Now is the time to stand with music teachers to advocate for what is important to children – a complete education that includes music taught by high quality teachers. Music retailers and manufacturers can be the support network that advances the message about the importance of music education to school leadership and the community and that music education is essential for students. I’d also like to suggest that music teachers can advocate for what they know in their hearts is right for children. Ultimately, you are advocating for what is best for kids – your statements of your belief can be a powerful message.

It’s holiday concert season across the land. I encourage music teachers, music industry pros, parents and school administrators to use the resources at www.supportmusic.com to start NOW inspiring all community members to be advocates for music programs. Most of all, students benefit by something we all believe in – music education.