We've learned about the state of music education in American public schools and how teachers continue to push for a more well-rounded music education that every student deserves.
One of the key takeaways from the 2017 report, The Status of Music Education in United States - 2017 is the role fundraising plays on developing music education with regards to additional opportunities and improving the program, according to music teachers.
The teachers were asked whether they felt that the fundraising helped them provide extra opportunities that enriched but were not integral to the music program or whether they felt that they could not adequately deliver a music curriculum without the financial support they earned through fundraising.
According to the report, 58% of the teachers said they felt that fundraising helped enrich their music program, and 42%a large minority expressed that fundraising was essential to an adequate music curriculum. A Boston Public Schools Administrator said, You can't fund public education without outside funding. A school district music educator in Puyallup, WA said that they raised $10,000 through two fundraisers using it for a new marimba, while a USD music educator said that small grants for instruments would be helpful to students in San Diego, CA.
Case scenario: allocating unexpected budgetary windfall
The researchers surveyed music teachers on how they would spend an unexpected $10,000 in additional funding should their school or district was suddenly able to provide it. The hypothetical funding music be used to enhance the quality of music teaching and/or learning in the classroom.
Below are the most common responses (unranked):
- 76% of music teachers would purchase instruments for student use
- 48% of music teachers would purchase instructional supplies like sheet music or method books
- 38% of music teachers would purchase performance equipment like risers or microphones
- 35% of music teachers would bring in guest clinicians or composers to work with students
- 17% of music teachers would invest in their teaching by attending professional development conferences
- 11% of music teachers would bring their students to work with a guest clinician or composer off-site
- 8% of music teachers would purchase a piano for classroom or performance use
- 4% of music teachers would invest in their teaching by taking graduate courses in pedagogy or conducting
- 2% of music teachers would invest in their teaching by teaching graduate courses in performance
- The most common other responses were specific technology purchases, such as iPads or other tablet computers, electronic keyboards, recording equipment, etc.
Music education is an essential part of ensuring students have a well-rounded education. Live Music Tutor works closely with schools and other educational institutions to advocate each childs right to arts education. Visit our page to learn more about our efforts.