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You may have Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, or Coldplay's MP3s playing all the time, but what if these pop stars didn't have access to music growing up? Lucky for us, that was not the case. But when there are budget cuts, schools' music programs are usually the first to go, despite research that shows music studies are crucial to a complete education.

Music develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves basic math and reading abilities, not to mention self-esteem, and yes -- even SAT scores! That's why there are people trying to save the music...

Not Without a Fight
SupportMusic.com, which inspires action to emphasize music education in the United States, provides a variety of information and resources that can be used to customize campaigns for local music programs. Carolyn Dawn Johnson is all for it.

"It's very important to keep music alive in the schools," explains the country singing sensation, who has played the piano since she was five years old. "Music is a huge part of my life and I wish everyone had the same opportunity I did."

Johnson can't even remember being "pianoless." In fact, when this 2003 American Music Awards' Favorite New Country Artist was in college, she decided to switch from a major in biology to music.

Whether you achieve the musical success of Johnson or not, groups like SupportMusic.com believe everyone should be given the chance to play the piano, violin, or even tuba. Eric Siler, teacher at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (Philadelphia, PA), also supports that notion. "Arts [education] is definitely needed, especially music -- to wake up senses in your mind and to see things in a different way."

Instruments are Instrumental
Thanks to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, underserved schools, community music programs, and individual students are reaping the benefits of its donation and repair of musical instruments. The foundation began as a direct result of the 1995 movie in which Richard Dreyfuss plays a musician/composer who takes a teaching job while striving to compose one memorable piece of music. As Holland discovers, it's the joy of sharing his contagious passion for music with his students that becomes the true definition of his success.

Shekinahjoy Silverness, a home-schooled high school senior in Elka River, MN appreciates the foundation's work. "I was so excited to get my violin. I wouldn't be able to play without it, and now I take private lessons," she says.

Like Shekinahjoy, Laura Sittig, a sophomore at Colgate University (Hamilton, NY), is thankful for the program. Because of the cello she received in her senior year of high school, and lessons from the community education division of Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY), Laura was able to play in the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

She's now involved with the university orchestra; and a cello ensemble; and the Colgate's Chamber Players, a group that performs around Hamilton and at the university. Last year, Laura even performed for world-famous cellist Lynn Harrell in a master class.

"Receiving my cello from the foundation was an absolutely vital turning point. It allows me to play at a much higher level and produce a sound on a level with the musicians I have the opportunity to work with," she says. "This cello has personal significance for me -- it has gradually become a trusted friend and something I cannot imagine losing."

Felice Mancini, the foundation's executive director, is happy to assist students like Laura. "Learning music lasts in people's lives on various levels -- social, cognitive, behavioral," she says. And, many generous patrons feel the same way. "One-third of our budget," Mancini explains, "is donated instruments."

Play That Funky Music
In addition to the above-mentioned organizations, MENC: The National Association for Music Education's mission is to encourage the study and making of music by all. Founded in 1907, one of the highlights of this association is developing national music education standards, for which it publishes more than 100 books, videos, and CDs.

Among its annual events? The world's largest concert held each March, where over eight million schoolchildren play the same song on the same day in schools across the country. Mike Blakelee, deputy executive director of MENC, notes, "Kids who are active in music are generally good kids. They play music not only in their schools, but in their communities, which often raises money for local charities and brings enjoyment."

Similar to SupportMusic.com, MENC forms partnerships with organizations like VH1's Save the Music to provide online teachers' guides, special events, and more. "The studies have been replicated and are valid -- students who play musical instruments achieve better grades than students without music in their lives," affirms Blakelee. For more information, check out www.menc.org and www.supportmusic.com.


http://www.vickisalemi.com
Vicki Salemi is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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