Where the Candidates Stand – Music and Art as “Core” Subjects
With the U.S. Presidential campaign just 3 weeks from today I thought it would be good to post some of what has been reported regarding the candidates positions on two key issues of concern to me… education and the arts. The AP reported yesterday the highlights of each candidate based on the key topics the […]
Talk Isn’t Cheap: The 2008 Presidential Campaign, Music Education and YOU!
We are now well into the 2008 campaign for President of the United State. Many of you who regularly read this column know that Music for All works tirelessly to elevate music and arts education as an issue on this largest of stages that will influence the direction of our nation. These efforts, combined with […]
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What Music Really Means . . . .
A long time and very good friend of mine, Tracy Leenman, sent me a note with this incredible and true story that was so compelling I realized that my own thoughts for this month were better saved for another day so I could share her inspirational thoughts with you. It is a story that transcends […]
A Tribute: Mark Williams – Band Geek
President Clinton once said “You gotta sound bad before you can sound good” to a class of beginning instrumental students in Milwaukee. Mark Williams undoubtedly would disagree. Mark Williams, one of Alfred Publishing’s most successful composers and arrangers, a self proclaimed “Band Geek” at heart who had a passion for empowering teachers to give beginning […]
And… we are back!
After a rather lengthy hiatus, am back in the saddle! Just in time for Music in Our Schools Month! Lot's to talk about… lot's to share… from the presidential campaign trail, to research, to funding issues, to the evolving role of music and the arts in our schools. Here we go!
What Happens When Game Technology and Music Education Collide?
Some would argue that the answer to the question posed in this column’s title would be: “nothing good.” For years there has been an ongoing debate about technology and its use in music education and music making. A lot of this concern has centered on the issue of the technology getting in the way of […]
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
One of the most enjoyable parts of my work is that I get to hang out with people who are significantly smarter than I (as a drummer this means just about anything with a pulse!) Sir Ken Robinson has been a personal friend and advisor to my work for the past several years. He is […]
Mike Huckabee Brings Arts Ed to N.E.A. Convention
Governor Mike Huckabee continues to push the issue of music and arts education as a central cause of his campaign for president. Although he has voiced his frustration that education has not come up in the debates as much as it is brought up by voters on the campaign trail. After three presidential debates and […]
The Boys in the Band Are in AARP
When I speak the concept of "music for all" the all part means just that… all. All people. All ages. All backgrounds. This story from the NY Times highlights a particular group – baby boomers – we focused on more than a decade ago. I was at NAMM and put together NAMM's "Weekend Warrior Program" […]
