A new nonprofit aims to put music back into schools

When a child picks up an instrument — whether it’s a guitar, trombone, flute, or cello — they’re receiving a unique brand of education that cannot be taught from a textbook.

However, there more than 3.8 million pre-K through grade 12 students in the United States who have zero access to music education. Whether this stems from a lack of funding or a lack of interest, students across America are missing out on the type of valuable lessons that can be taught only through music education.

A new nonprofit called The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition aims to dramatically lessen this number by covering the expensive costs of musical instruments, recording equipment, and professional development courses for teachers in Philadelphia, New York City, and Nashville.

By partnering with organizations like The National Association for Music Education, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and Berklee College of Music, The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition hopes to change the lives of public school students everywhere.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

So, why the fuss over music? The benefits are actually quite convincing.

“Music and music education have a deep, lasting impact on American youth, their families, and communities,” says Lee Whitmore, executive director of The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition.

“There are clear cognitive, creative, social, and emotional benefits. And, research from Nina Kraus at Northwestern University in Chicago demonstrates that adolescents — particularly underserved youth — who participate in sustained, active music making, experience permanent changes in the way their brains process speech and how they read.”

The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition’s goal is to raise and invest approximately $5 million in each selected Title I school system and plan to add more school systems each year going forward.

“Our coalition is committed to investing in universal music education participation in public schools,” says Whitmore. “Our big goal is for all American youth to create and make music for several hours or more, every week.”

Music to the ears of millions.