Sam Loyal asked:


Surprisingly enough, various sites offer amazing music downloads that are simple to use and easy to access. Providing million songs, music tracks, or soundtracks, they help people listen to their favorite music genres in a hassle free way. But, it is really important to look for the technical support of a particular chosen site before choosing any download options. This will help you avoid unnecessary technical problems.

Build a Large Music Library

You can easily build your own music library in a cost effective way by surfing through various online music mp3 stores. Today, downloading music is quite possible. Helping you to download songs, movies, or music videos that really interest you, it saves your time and money to a greater extent. Apart from this, by using a reliable website, you can avoid troubleshooting issues too. So, check out various options to decide which one is best for you.

Different online music stores are popping fast these days. You may find many cheap mp3 music download websites that may build your MP3 music library within no time. The only thing is to know that as there are a large number of mp3 download sites available on the internet, so you have to be extremely careful in order to find the options that you are comfortable with.

Providing multiple music options, they make a best way to reach potential sites and music stores to meet all your day to day music needs. Exposing different music genres, they make an excellent option for music fans to have extended enjoyment whenever and wherever needed. They also allow you to burn CD to listen to your favorite songs later in your computer. 

Unlimited Music Downloads

With increasing mp3 download demands, it is now easier to download music from different music stores on the internet. Carrying millions sound tracks and MP3 files, they help you select the music genre that you like the most. But, it is important to know as in where to find the right download services that not only provide unlimited downloads, but also adds value to your existing music library.

Even, major online music stores offer fantastic selection of movie soundtracks, music pieces, songs, or music videos for you to download. Thrilling the music lovers to a greater extent, they can be considered as a long term enjoyment options.

These music download sites are extremely cost effective and provide you with best entertainment results. So, if you are looking for cheap mp3 downloads, do not worry, as internet unfolds dozen of unlimited download options to help you make a right decision as in which particular site you want to use for download purposes. Just, make sure to check the latest music selection through these downloads sites and you will be served with millions of music songs within seconds. Even, they help you get your specific niche genres to enjoy music as per your personal preferences and tastes. Thus, confirm the desired music file format and have unlimited music downloads to enjoy music later on your devices.



LESLIE

A. Nutt asked:


There are many advantages to involving your child in music. Participation in music can lead to increased creative thinking, better math skills, and greater interest in the performing arts. In addition, nurturing your child’s musical talents will teach him or her of your support and will boost your child’s confidence. Music involvement also encourages discipline.

When it comes time for your child to apply to colleges, having a history of music education will improve their chances for admission to their desired school. Music gives kids many advantages.

Music schools are also a great way to expand your own creative world. Many schools accept adult students, and you might find that taking classes at a local music school is the perfect way to add some creative spark to your life.

However, finding a good music school isn’t always an easy task. Music schools do not always advertise like other organizations. How can you find a music school in your community?

Look Online

Doing a search for local music schools may turn up several great candidates, especially if you live in a metropolitan area. When you’ve found a list of local music schools in your area, do a search for each specific school. You might be surprised by the reviews you find from other parents and students, and this information can help in your decision.

Online searches for music schools have many advantages, but one possible disadvantage is that not all music schools advertise online or have a web page. It’s becoming increasingly likely that more music schools will have an online presence, but you might miss out on a great one if you limit your research to the Internet.

Check with Your University

Universities and community colleges often offer music programs. Call the music department of your local college and ask if they offer any kind of music education for children or adults. Often, the educators at these schools are top notch.

If your local college or university does not have a music program available, ask if they can recommend any specific music schools in the area. Since members of the music department staff at these schools have many professional connections, they might be able to offer some great insight on where to look for a great music school.

Ask Your Child’s Teacher for a Recommendation

Your child’s music teacher is a great resource when it comes to finding a music school, especially one that specializes in teaching music to children. If you are looking for a music school for your child, his or her teacher will also have special insight into which type of school might best address your specific needs.

Even if you are looking for a music school for yourself, your child’s music teacher is probably well connected in the music community in your area. He or she may have some great ideas on where you can go for your musical education.

Advantages of a Local Music School

Finding a local music school provides many advantages, including the following:

- A music school that is local means that you spend less time commuting between your home and music school. You can use this extra time to practice your music lessons.

- A local music school also means you save on the price of traveling between the music school and your residence. High fuel costs will not add to the price of your lessons.

- Enrolling in a local music school can provide you with great local social connections.

- When you attend a local music school, you are supporting your local economy and the creative arts scene.



NATHAN

Amber Smith asked:


The music generation has changed. New heights are attained by music industry in the twenty first century. The introduction of mobiles, iPods, and numerous other music gadgets has breathed a new life into music industry. Today’s youth is in synch with new music trends and every other youth you will find carrying iPod! No wonder these are the people who keep searching for new music albums and DVDs to download on their iPods or mobiles, or on their home pc. Though the style of hearing music has changed, there is hardly any change in the taste of music and it remains evergreen since decades.

However, the problem this generation faces is about downloading their favorite music albums. Well, they need not venture through music galleries of their area like their elder music lovers. They get different genres of music at the click of the mouse. But still this youth faces problems with the authenticity of the music download sites. Many people complain that the music download takes hell of their time and they cannot devote that much time to fulfill their hobby of listening to music. Quite right, isn’t it?

Especially today many of us want to download full length DVDs or CDs which take really too long time from many sites. This is troublesome. What can we do to avoid time consuming music downloading websites?

Do research! Yes, doing quality research about various music download sites helps us achieve a good perspective of different features of the site and also its authenticity. The music download site reviews help a lot in this regard. Search for the reviews that are authentically written on different music download review sites. Here they also mention about – 1) the download speed

2) Price for download,

3) limit of access to the site,

4) Number of songs available

5) Compatibility with operating system

These things help you gain little knowledge about the site from where you will download your album.

What are the top cheap music download sites?

Obviously you are concerned about the downloading charges of the site. Many sites offer free download but the quality may be very poor if you opt for it. If you have already tried this, you know what I mean. But still, you do not want to spend hefty sum for downloading the album. Here are some top cheap music download sites that will help you realize your music dream-

1)    Flickr: This is the topmost music download site that promises many things and keeps all those promises without fail. Here you will get unlimited download access with best music quality, fast download capacity, and reasonable price. You can opt for lifelong membership for as less as $29.4. Isn’t it wonderful to have all the features in so less money?

2)    Music Platinum: Here too you will get unlimited download access with good quality of music, and reasonably fast download. For lifetime membership, you need to pay $34.95.

3)    MP3 Download Net: this is also one of the premium music download sites where you get unlimited access and fast download for as low as $34.95(lifetime).

Now that you know how easy it is to download whole albums to your iPod or pc, your work is much easier. The music downloads require some research on your part to enable them uninterrupted. The cheap music downloads sites are plenty. Just beware of fraud sites and opt only for legitimate after thorough search.



DENIS

Gary Tallon asked:


1. A Book of Music Is Not Technically Sheet Music

The American Heritage Dictionary defines Sheet Music as “Compositions printed on unbound sheets of paper”. So books of music script would not (technically) be classed as sheet music.

2. “Sheet Music” Was The Title of an Album by 10CC

This was the second album written by 10CC which reached number nine in the UK album charts, and number eighty one in the USA. The 1974 release by the Manchester (England) band included the singles “The Wall Street Shuffle” and “Silly Love”.

3. Sheet Music or Score?

These two terms actually mean the same thing, as score is the more generic description of Sheet Music. There are several types of score including “full score”, “miniature score”, “piano score” etc. Score can also be used to refer to incidental music written for a play, TV or film.

4. The First Printed Sheet Music Book Appeared in 1457

The “Mainz Psalter” was the first book printed to include music notation. It was printed in Mainz, Germany but still had to have the notation filled in by hand!

5. The First Machine Printed Music Appeared in the 1473

The first sheet music publications printed on machines didn’t appear unitl 1473, almost 20 years after Gutenburg had invented the printing press. Before this most sheet music was written by hand! This was essentially when the Music industry as we know it began.

6. Chappell & Co Were Founded in 1810

Chappell and Co were founded in 1810 by Samuel Chappell, Francis Tatton Latour and Johann Baptist Cramer. They started by selling and publishing sheet music. It was only later that Chappell & Co began selling the pianos that they became so famous for. Chappell & Co now operate as two separate companies; the publishing company “Warner/Chappell Music”, and the music retailer “Chappell of Bond Street” (on Wardour Street, London).

7. Manuscript Paper is the Blank Form of Sheet Music

Manuscript paper is blank sheet music pre-printed with (typically) two sets of six staves on a line, marked with a “Clef” to indicate the key and pitch of the piece of music. It is sometimes referred to in the USA as “staff paper”. Manuscript paper can also be used to notate music for drums and guitar tablature! You can get hold of a blank piece of sheet music here: http://www.visionmusic.com/manuscript/paper.html

8. The Earliest Piece of Sheet Music was from 1400 BC

Clay tablets (transcribed by Prof. Anne Kilmer in 1972) containing the cuneiform signs of the Hurrian language contained a completed hymn with both words and music. The hymn related to the Moon God’s wife Nikal, and included instructions for vocals and harp.

9. Tablature Tells You Where To Put Your Fingers

As apposed to the traditional notation of sheet music, Tablature (or Tabulature/Tab) transcribes the music with the placement of fingers written as numbers. It is usually written for fretted instruments such as guitars, but can also be used for percussion and some other instruments.

10. Free Guitar Tabs Sites Are Not All Legal

But don’t worry, it is the websites themselves that are the only ones to be concerned. As of Monday December 12, 2005, distributing free tablature of copyrighted music using the Internet is considered illegal by the international music industry.

Several free tab sites were shut down in 2006 as a results of legal pressure from music publishers including MXtabs.net (now back online as a legitimate resource), and also Guitar Tab Universe who later re-launched as “Music Student and Teacher Organization” (MuSATO) claiming that as an educational resource they were not longer in breach of copywrite. The music industry maintain their opposition to free tab download websites.



PHILIP

Paul Zirka asked:


When I first started studying the history of music, I did not know what I was getting into. I had a notion that music history was somewhat of a trivial pursuit…

Honestly, I only followed my history of classical music course because I needed the credits. I am sure some of you out there can relate to that. I did not know how fully interesting music history could be. You see, in our culture many of us do not really study to comprehend music. For much of the world, music is a language, but for us it is a thing that we consumed passively.

When I started to study about the history of Western music, however, it changed all that for me. I have had some experience using musical instruments, but I have never mastered one enough to really comprehend what music is all about. This class showed me.

When a lot of us think about the history of music, it means the history of rock music. We presume that the history is plain because the music is plain. In fact, neither is the case. The history of music, whether you’re talking about classical music, rock music, jazz music, or any other kind, is always complex. New chord structures are set up carrying with them new forms of understanding humanity. New rhythmic patterns are established, carrying with them new methods of understanding history. And music shows all of it.

History of music nowadays is even more interesting. Even when the class was ended, I could not stop learning about the history of music. It had stimulated my appetite, and I wanted more. I acquired all the music history volumes that I could discover. I even started to examine forms of music that had not interested me before in the hopes of improving my musical knowledge further. When I was in school studying toward a very different subject - a degree in engineering - I had thought about giving it up and going back to obtain a degree in musicology. That is how much I am fascinated by the subject.

If you have never taken a course in the history of music, you don’t know what you are missing out on. You do not miss what you don’t know about in a way but then again… Believe me the CDs will never sound the same to you again. Actually not only the Cds but any type of media you are or will be using to play your favorite music. The whole thing will seem much more rich, much more luminous, and much more important. A new song can reflect a new way of being, and a new way of imagining existence in the world. This is what learning about the history of music means to many of us. Just try it and you will see.

Listening to music now has a whole new meaning. You can imagine all the different types of musical patterns there are in the world. It make your musical mind really expand.



EDMUND

Shilpa Rao asked:


The system of Indian classical music known as Raga Sangeet can be traced back nearly two thousand years to its origin in the Vedic hymns of the Hindu temples. Unlike Western classical music which has written scores, an Indian classical performance is based on improvisation, and anywhere from 10% to 90% of the performance could be extempore, depending on the creative imagination of the artist. The music is rendered orally to the disciple by his guru, popularly known as guru-shishya (teacher-student) parampara (tradition).

The very heart of Indian music is the raga, the melodic form upon which the artist improvises his performance. A raga is a scientific, precise, subtle and aesthetic melodic form with its own ascending and descending movement consisting of either a full seven-note octave or a series of six or five notes.

Every raga is characterized by its own particular mood. The acknowledged order of these nine sentiments, or emotions, is as follows: romantic and erotic, humorous, pathetic, anger, heroic, fearful, disgust, amazement and peaceful. Each raga, in addition to being associated with a particular mood, is also closely connected to a particular time of day or a season of the year. Thus through the rich melodies and rhythm of Indian music, every human emotion, every subtle feeling in man and nature, can be musically expressed and experienced.

In terms of aesthetics, a raga is the projection of the artist’s inner spirit: a manifestation of his most profound feelings and sensibilities. The musician breathes life into each raga as he unfolds and expands it so that each note shimmers and pulsates with life and the raga is revealed vibrant and incandescent with beauty.

The tala, or rhythmic cycle of a raga, plays an equally important role in expressing the mood. There is a unique relationship between melody and rhythm. The intricacies depict the complexities and sophistication with which they are woven together. The division in a taal and the stress on the first beat, called sum, are the most important feature. The most exciting moment for a seasoned listener is when both the musicians, after their individual improvisations, come back together on the sum.

Today, Indian classical music is a permanent part of Western culture. Many composers and musicians have been influenced by our music. The openness, will to learn, and sincere enthusiasm of Western audiences are a continuing source of inspiration and delight. Indian music is one of the highest forms of music existing and nourished through its rich cultural heritage.



WILBUR

Kevin Tuck asked:


In Private Music teaching the teacher often is forced to teach small groups or one on one lessons at low fees, which are sometimes fixed by the school or association they teach within.

In a private studio or in a school, the monetary arrangements for this kind of music lesson involves the parent paying the teacher “per lesson” and it is these kind of teachers that this article hopes to help increase their income.

In this article are four strategies for increasing income as a private music teacher - some of them may not be suitable for every teacher, but hopefully they will give you some insights on how private music teachers can improve their income.

Strategy #1 - Never refund or credit a lesson because its in the clients best interest

Students miss lessons. It’s a fact. People get sick, there are special sporting events that happen, there are times when for whatever reason students are going to miss their music lesson. The fact is that this is unavoidable. What you can do as a music teacher is have a policy that says that “lessons are always made-up, they are never refunded or credited to your account”, however the important thing that is often missed in this is the WHY of that statement… it should be because it is necessary for the student’s progress on their instrument.

If you use this philosophy you won’t ever have to argue with parents over it - because its in the students interest, not yours! If you start the arrangement with this agreement in place you’ll find it much easier to enforce it - the parents will make the effort to make up the lesson rather than you having to insist on it. If you have outcomes for the student (such as an assessment or exam) in place it makes it even easier to make sure that it happens.

You will need to make time to make the lessons up - it might be necessary to allow one or two days in the holidays or during non-contact time to do it, but you’ll find that the ability to do this will be worth it in extra income. Very often the parents will not bother making it up, and you’ll not have to credit or refund any money!

Strategy #2 - Find your Niche and make yourself exclusive in that Niche

If you have something special about your teaching you’ll find that you’ll attract more and better quality students, and you’ll be able to charge more.

For example, lets say you teach the guitar.

If you teach anyone who comes you’ll probably end up with some young children, some high school children, and maybe one or two adults and you’ll have to teach a variety of styles depending on the type of music that the students like.

If however….. you start a niche business, specializing in only one area you’ll eventually find that people will seek you out because you are a specialist, and you’ll be able to charge more for your services and you’ll be able to only take on the students you want.

Examples of a niche business for guitar might be: - A business that specializes in guitar for young children - A business that helps adults fulfill their dreams of playing guitar in a band - A business that specializes in heavy metal guitar

These are just examples - there are literally thousands of possibilities, but the niche must be something that customers actually want, it cant be something that you think might be good!

Strategy #3 - Increase your retention rate and don’t take on every student

Increasing your retention rate is vital for all businesses - but particularly for music teachers - where your income is determined by the number of students you are teaching multiplied by the dollars that you charge.

If you can cut down on the number of students you lose, while you simultaneously increase the quality of those students you’ll have a better income, and a more satisfying teaching career as well.

There is no way you should accept every student that you get offered. Not every student is going to be right for you - they often are looking to learn different things to what you offer, and they might not be as reliable in terms of paying their fees and attending lessons as your regular students, so you should always meet and interview prospective students before you agree to teach them.

By avoiding “problem” students in the first place you’ll be able to spend your time with more productive activities and better quality students.. and this will increase your income in the longer term.

Most of the problems with retention can be traced back to one thing - the students lack motivation because they don’t practice enough. We have various strategies for increasing retention rate by encouraging practice at the Fun Music company teachers blog, which you’ll find a link to at the end of this article.

Strategy #4 - Add passive income streams to your business

Teaching income is active income - if you stop teaching the income stops. That is ok.. because it is like any earned income. What you should be looking to do is also add passive income to your business.

Do you write any teaching materials which can be used in music classes or lessons?

If so you are in the perfect position to add passive income to your income mix. All you have to do is find a way to publish your materials so that your students and others can access them. It can be as simple as getting the materials printed and bound at a copy shop just for your students only.

Do you purchase books and music for your students and pass them on to them?

If so you may be able to negotiate bulk discounts from suppliers and then add the full retail cost of the books to the students account. Parents will appreciate the convenience of not having to go into a shop to purchase the books if you put it through your business.

Can you sell leads to other teachers or businesses?

For example students all need to purchase instruments. Sometimes possible is an arrangement where you can can get a monetary commission from a music store if you refer your students to purchase their instruments there. This is certainly possible on the internet, via the use of affiliate programs.

I hope this article has given you some ideas of ways that you can improve your income as a private music teacher. I was a private music teacher for over ten years, and I’ve used all of these strategies during that time. Private music teaching should be fun and rewarding, and it gives you freedom to practice what you love, which is sharing the joy of music with others.



DOYLE

James Brown asked:


When children are assigned a musical instrument to play while taking classes in the school band, they are introduced to the equipment in a hands-on method that some are not very happy with. The student will be tasked with carrying the musical instrument with them for several days at a time, and during that time, the musical instrument could be subjected to numerous bumps along the way.

The musical director will spend many days explaining how to play certain notes. A great deal of instruction will go into finger placement and the amount of pressure that is needed to depress the keys correctly. The director will be concerned that some students are not listening because he will view them handling the instrument roughly and know why the instrument does not sound right on specific notes that the band is practicing.

When this type of activity is observed, some music classes will cease. The rest of the day will be spent teaching students on the care and cleaning instructions that will be needed for each instrument. The director will probably explain to the students that taking care of the musical instruments can sometimes be a hassle. The director will also elaborate further to the students that the results of better treatment will be well worth the effort when it comes time to play a concert or practice each day.

Every aspiring musician will be responsible for the care and cleaning of the instrument they play each day. A clean musical instrument can be a joy to play, but a dirty instrument will become difficult to play. Choosing the right time to clean the instrument can be very hard on some kids, because they always seem to have children milling about that makes the cleaning process difficult.

Most children have found that taking the instrument outside to clean works better, but most parents will recommend that the instrument be taken to a professional that works at the local music store. The music store might be where the instrument was purchased and these professionals know every crevice of the instrument and the correct way to use cleaners and other cleaning accessories. A child can learn to clean the instrument properly by watching the artisans work their magic in the store.

Many instruments come with cleaning cloths and solutions that are perfect for a particular instrument. A clarinet player will find items such as cleaning cloths with special weights attached to it. Poles will often serve as cleaning tools that will fit nicely in tubular instruments such as flutes, and brass polishes might be needed if a child has been tasked with cleaning a tuba.

All of the cleaning products for each musical instrument can be found at music shops and other musical instrument retailers, and with a gentle touch and a little effort, musical instruments will always be ready to play because they were maintained in tiptop condition. Repairs can be made to all musical cases because they take the brunt of damage done because the musical instruments have to be carried. A musician can keep musical instruments clean by not storing them in hot spaces and maintaining a cleaning regimen that will ensure that the musical instrument is cleaned and polished each time it is used.



HENRY

Jason Oconnor asked:


To see a Broadway play or musical is to step into a world that envelops you with an experience you cannot find anywhere else. Theatre has been around since ancient times and for good reason. There is absolutely nothing like watching the actors, hearing the live musical scores and going on a journey with fellow theatre-goers. It makes movies seem like flimsy comic books in comparison.

Fortunately, there are many excellent shows on Broadway and in major cities across North America today. The following list is the top ten plays you might consider attending with a date or a friend. Each one of these delivers an experience you won’t soon forget.

One of the most popular mega-hits of Broadway is Wicked. Wicked is a musical taking the witches from the Wizard of Oz and recasting them to reverse the loyalties the audience feels in the movie. The play follows the women from school to their eventual fates. The emerald skinned Elphaba, studious and misunderstood, and the beautiful and ambitious Glinda, as they move from unlikely friends to the classic opponents of the movie. The magic lies in the witty recasting of the backstory of the Wizard of Oz, to challenge assumptions and present a tale of friendship and love. And now Wicked is touring the U.S., so there’s a good chance it’s showing in a city near you.

A relatively new show called Tarzan, is a musical about a baby raised by gorillas as he encounters humans, and Jane, forcing him to choose between his two heritages. Tarzan is very popular, with many theatergoers looking forward to seeing the Disney version brought to stage. A show for all ages, the search for where one belongs in the world is a weighty subject for such a deceptively light show. Phil Collins extended his musical score from the Disney movie into a complete theatrical score.

The Lion King is a musical about Simba the lion cub and his journey to adulthood and acceptance as King. A play for all ages, the story of a youth growing to accept responsibility and duty is one of the most enduring themes in fiction. The animal puppetry is nothing less than brilliant. If you’re looking to instill a little culture in your child, this may be just the ticket. And again, The Lion King is showing in many cities.

A disfigured musical genius haunts a theatre and exerts a mysterious control over a young singer. The Phantom of the Opera is a modern classic musical, long-standing show and one of the most well known Broadway plays of the era. The classic music of the show is one of the main draws, with more than one piece from this show recognizable to almost any adult. This is the longest running play in Broadway history, and made Andrew Lloyd Webber a household name. Phantom of the Opera has played in 22 countries, 113 cities and to a combined audience of 10 million.

Les Miserables is a musical based on the classic novel of the same name, in which the obsessed policeman Javert pursues the prison escapee Jean Valjean over decades in Revolutionary France. A classic tale of obsession and redemption, this play investigates the big questions like right and wrong, vengeance and justice, and what it takes to achieve redemption, while putting a human face on the issues. Les Miserable originally ran on Broadway for sixteen years, and is back with a fresh cast to renew the magic.

Spamalot is based on the legendary Monty Python and the Holy Grail, featuring King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they face such dangers as the dreaded bunny rabbit. The occasionally eccentric Monty Python sense of humor is in full fury in this tale, with jabs at politics, religion, chivalry, bravery, intelligence and the French. There are limbless knights, men in tights and a chorus line of dancing divas. Spamalot is a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and won the 2005 Tony for Best Musical. If you liked the Monty Python’s TV show and movies, then this musical will sure to please.

Chicago the Musical is another famous musical, in this case about a murder trial. The Fosse choreography is iconic. While the music isn’t as iconic as some others, the odds are that most will recognize several pieces they’ve heard before, such as “Razzle-Dazzle” and “All that Jazz.” Chicago returns us to the time of Vaudeville, satirizes the justice system and shows us what great theater is all about. Definitely check this show out of you liked the movie starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.

Rags to rock to riches, Jersey Boys is the musical story of four blue-collar boys who become the Four Tops. It follows them from their start in the Hood to their apotheosis as one of the greatest music groups of all time, with emphasis on the characters involved. This show has really taken off and become unexpectedly popular on Broadway. Now the Jersey Boys is touring America.

Mamma Mia! is a musical built around Abba staples of the seventies, dealing with a single mother whose daughter is about to get married on a Greek island. The daughter invites three of her mother’s old boyfriends to visit, hoping to find out which one her father is. The play is built around Abba music, but is an engaging story in its own right and is advanced by the music rather than providing an excuse for it. This is a play where almost everyone attending knows the music.

Rent is a musical that explores poverty, disease, and drugs in New York City. It’s a modern rock version of the 19th century Italian opera “La Boheme,” and is set in New York City’s East Village. It is a moving musical where young people strive to make it in a difficult world.

Plays are one of the most enduring human entertainments, and Broadway is the big leagues in an art form thousands of years old. Plays speak of where we come from, where we are, and where we would like to be. If you want to do something different and you value culture, entertainment and enlightenment, going to a Broadway play is something you may want to experience soon.



EMANUEL

Eric Hines asked:


I am sure you are aware of the nationwide trend of downsizing, even eliminating, art programs in schools.

What is not entirely known is the impact of removing the fine arts from the education of children.

‘Champions of Change, the Impact of the Arts on Learning’ is the most comprehensive study on the subject of students involvement in the fine arts and how it relates to academic success.

The study builds a strong for students achieving higher levels of academic success and in higher overall numbers when involved with fine art.

Per the study;

- 82.6% of 8th graders earned mostly As and Bs who were involved heavily in fine arts versus 67.2% earning As and Bs who were not.

- 30.07% of the respondents who participate in fine arts performs community service where only 6.28% of the respondents who do not participate in fine arts perform community service.

- Students who are not heavily involved in fine arts have more than double the chance of dropping out of school by the 10th grade.

- 56.64% of the respondents who participate in fine arts read for pleasure where only 34.Chances are you will a handful of musical instruments in good condition gathering dust in a garage or attic.

These are only some of the findings in this study.

Fine arts help teach students far more than how to draw roses in a vase, or how to play the violin.

They help stimulate the creative part of the child’s mind, teach discipline, instill a sense of pride, accomplishment, and self-worth.

These attributes not only help students do better academically, but do better in their adult life, with their career, their new family, their emotional well being.

So what do you do if your child’s school has had major cuts in their art program?

Your first option is, of course, private lessons. You need to be cognizant of the pros and cons in this option.

Lets look at the pros first.

First, due to budget cuts and pressure for schools to ensure their students score well on standardized testing (oddly enough the students who are involved in the arts score better on average) the arts get less attention that other subjects in school. Thus the quality of instruction suffers.

Meaning your child has an excellent chance of getting better fine art instruction in a professional fine art instruction environment. The classes are smaller, sometimes even one on one. The instructor only has to teach that particular art form.

Another plus in private fine art education is that your child’s success is directly tied into the instructors income.

A public school teacher who has half of their art class receive failing grades will still be paid the same at the end of the week.

The equivalent in the private art instruction world would mean a bankrupt business in a very short order.

Providing private art classes is a business. They must produce a good product or risk not being around in the future.

The major con to private lessons is of course if you cannot afford them for your child.

Private lessons cost money. Knowing the benefits of a child being educated in the fine arts, I would happily drive a less luxurious car, or eat out less often to ensure their fine art education.

However if you are living on a fixed income this may not be an option.

To wrap up this point, private lessons are great, often better than what is provided even in schools that have ample art and music budgets.

An alternative solution may be needed if you you are on a limited budget.

There are things that you can do to help your local school raise money for their art programs.

First and foremost is fund raising. This can be gone about in a variety of ways.

For example in my high school in Burbank California a parent spoke to executives at NBC studios. Weeks later, NBC donated high-end production and editing equipment for our high school. Everything for the fine art of film making was at our school.

Long short or no, local businesses or celebrities should not be ignored when trying to solve this problem. In return they get good PR.

Of course you have the traditional events to raise funds. A car wash, garage sales, silent auctions, etc.

The real make break point for the above types of fund raisers is having the right person in-charge to ensure that all the details are taken care of and everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.

If no one shows up to the car wash because no one knew about it, it won’t do anyone much good. Nor will the dozen cookies at the bake sale.

Organize and communicate.

I know a good amount of people. More pertinently I know people who know more people than I could ever hope to know.

When confronted with the difficult task of refitting your schools classical music program with instruments, it can seem overwhelming.

On the other hand, with a group of hundreds of students and adults it looks like this.

An email/phone call/mailer goes to your network about the problem.

Get your network to scourer their homes and the homes of people they know for instruments to donate. Last year I gifted a nice classical guitar that had been idle for years to a school.

Perhaps you find a few instruments in great condition that have been sitting in closets and garages untouched for 20 years.

Then invite everyone with a pulse and $20 to a bowling fund raiser. You make $20 for everyone who shows up. 50 people show. There is a $1000 right there for new instruments.

The following week target local businesses and parents in your network to gift items of worth for an auction. You get kids to pass out fliers and put up posters around town, put up announcements in craigslist, your local paper, and of course make sure everyone in your network knows and that they are telling everyone else.

The auction is a success raising $3,000.

When you have enough money for the instruments have the kids study hard and put on a fund raiser concert, charge $10 and put the money aside. Somehow someone will manage to lose a tuba.

It is plain to see, a dedicated group can accomplish much more than an individual.

What happens if your school is so strapped for cash and so over crowded that they cannot afford the fine art teacher let alone the space for art classes?

And what if there are no reputable private fine art instruction schools local, or you cannot afford them at this time?

At this point you have to take matters entirely in your own hands. However you are not entirely alone!

There are products on the market, that for a low cost, can still help educate your child in the fine arts.

Here is an example, for a onetime payment of $30 you can have you child take online violin lessons with Violin Master Pros.

There are also online lessons and DVD instruction programs for other musical instruments, writing, drawing, and more.

Any will be far more productive than another evening of video games or cable TV.

Beware of asking uncle John - who plays the piano - to teach your child. If someone demonstrates knowing how to do something well, it by no means demonstrates they can teach it well!

Bad lessons can very quickly turn your child off to the arts. Even if a huge donation is made to the school and the arts are saved, it will do little good if your kid is sour on the arts.

All in all our societies viewpoint must be changed in regards to how important the arts are to our children and our future.

It is irrefutable, children perform better on standardized tests when involved in fine art. Yet many schools will cut art and music to focus on getting better scoring results!

A small fraction of this nations defense budget could easily pay for art and music programs nationwide.

Many parents have the viewpoint, ‘if it is not reading or arithmetic then what real use is it my child’?

Yet in the top science schools in America all have a extensive fine art programs in their universities for a reason. It helps students perform academically!

It is our job as parents, budget cuts or no budget cuts, to ensure that our children receive the fine art education that they need.

If we don’t do it for our children, who is going to?



JAN