Dear Music Educators and Music Education Supporters,
At this time of year, we at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) want to extend our deepest gratitude for all you do for students and for the future of the profession. We would be so much less the richer without your tireless dedication to your students, your schools, and your communities.
This school year, you have welcomed in new music students, awakening a lifelong love of music. You have encouraged struggling musicians, motivating them to reach new heights in their music learning, not to mention empowering them with invaluable life skills. As we know, music not only enriches the lives of your students and strengthens their academic performance, it also imbues them with critical 21st skills to help them be successful in life: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, decision-making skills, emotional learning, creativity, and more.
We appreciate that in bringing the value and beauty of music to the lives of our students, you give more of your time than the designated school-day hours—whether tutoring, mentoring, planning, conducting parent and booster meetings, coordinating special events, or advocating for your program.
We also are grateful to the music education advocates who support music teachers and their programs; speaking up for the necessity of a quality music education for every student. Keep fighting that good fight.
And so, to all of you, we wish a wonderful and relaxing holiday season and best wishes in the new year to come.
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
― Shinichi Suzuki
Musically yours,
Michael A. Butera
Executive Director and CEO
Take a look back at 2015 with us.
