Last night Pierre and I attended a performance of the Dallas Symphony. The program included pieces by two Finnish composers. In the program was a writeup about Finland's dedication to musical education and the amazing results it has produced. Evidence is that despite its small size - approximately 5 million people - Finland has, and continues to, produce an abundance of important musicians.

In the 1960's, the Finnish government sponsored state grants to performing artists and composers. This investment spawned a wealth of music schools, orchestras and festivals. One example is the conductor training program at the Sibelius Academy which is among the finest in the world. Another factor is that music is a normal part of every day life for all students starting in elementary school. This ensures that musical programs receive lifetime support from welll-educated audiences.

As I read this amazing story, I looked around the Meyerson Symphony Center (home of the Dallas Symphony). The crowd was predominantly white and older. And there were many empty seats.

And then I remembered how we have constantly cut music programs from schools in this country. (The Center on Education Policy, found that since the passage of No Child Left Behind into federal law, 71 percent of the nation's 15,000 school districts had reduced the hours of instructional time spent on history, music and other subjects to open up more time for reading and math). But research has proven time and again that music education improves academic success, life skills and reduces crime. From the Reading, Writing and Rhythm Foundation:

Music education improves things such as SAT scores, school attendance, the ability to work in teams, self-esteem, self-discipline, early cognitive development, creativity, spatial reasoning skills, basic math and reading skills and the knowledge of other cultures and history. Scientific studies have proven that music participation builds brainpower in children by enhancing vital intellectual skills. As a result, music participation increases a child's ability to learn basic math and reading. Students who participate in music programs score significantly higher on standardized tests while at the same time developing crucial skills to be successful in life. Students involved in music are also less likely to be involved in gangs, drugs, or alcohol abuse and have better attendance in school. Most importantly though, students enjoy it!

Let's push for the return of music education to our schools. We can't afford to let another generation go by.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive