Education Through Music
I believe wholeheartedly that every student deserves equal access to a comprehensive music education. Unfortunately, despite the best intentions of music educators and music advocates, music programs are being cut from public schools. Education Through Music is an organization that serves low-income communities in New York City, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay area by providing resources and curriculum for students of all economic backgrounds and abilities.
ETM works to form long-term partnerships with inner-city schools; something which I believe is incredibly important. While many other music organizations have good intentions, they often fail to see the benefit of building relationships over time, and as soon as students begin to taste a piece of success, they pull out their support. Education Through Music provides weekly standards-based instruction in music to over 13,000 students in New York City alone, and extend professional development services for teachers on top of the work that they do with students inside the schools.
The core philosophy of ETM is grounded in sound teaching practice and philosophy:
1. All students benefit from having regular music instruction as part of their studies.
2. Musical instruction deserves the same rigor an intensity as other school subjects including access to high-qualtiy teachers and professional interactions between music faculty; positive leadership; an organized, sequential curriculum; and accountability for learning outcomes through assessment.
3. School and community leaders will strive to implement a comprehensive system music education for children of all backgrounds.
Education Through Music is celebrating its 20th year of helping students have access to music education. Their financial support comes from corporations, foundations, individuals and government agencies and has a 5 star rating on Great Non-Profits, so you can feel secure that your dollars are going to work hard for the students of these urban areas. If you can’t afford to make regular monetary contributions, rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, donate services, or by making purchase with online affiliates.
