With music and art classes facing cuts by schools forced to deal with budget shortfalls, BoardBuzz has commented frequently on the importance of arts education. One fact we often hear cited by supporters of music education is that it improves math scores but maybe that’s the wrong way to look at it. Renowned jazz musician Wynton Marsalis says instead that math classes help people with music. A strong proponent of arts education, Marsalis speaks often about the value of music education in our schools. In his 2009 address before a Congressional Committee on Arts Advocacy Day, he says “music is Superman” because it integrates everyone, no matter their age or background. In Marsalis’ view a strong education in the arts erases the generation gap and gives kids — and students of all ages — the ability to “converse and face the world with confidence.”
Take a look at this remarkable speech:
Wynton Marsalis will be the keynote speaker at the 2010 NSBA Annual Conference in Chicago on April 11, where he will not only share more thoughts on arts education but also give a special musical performance.
