6 Ways to Help Save Music & the Arts in Schools

The notion of entirely losing arts education in public schools in the creative beacon of Los Angeles should be shocking, but is chillingly real this year. This threat is critical - cutting arts education from the curriculum not only will decrease the quality of local artistry, it will also be a blow to fostering the creativity and innovation required to continue the growth of avant garde, life-changing industries that keep California on the cutting edge of progress.

Here's the Hard Math on the Plight of Music Education:

In our fourth year, ETM-LA commits to fighting alongside the principals, district and community to maintain sustainable, standards-based music programs reaching every child in our partner schools. You can help ETM-LA keep music in schools, and ensure that Los Angeles' tradition of innovation and creativity continues to flourish. Music should be a core subject, and part of a well-rounded education that all children deserve. Please join us in this vital campaign!

SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

1) Send a letter to your school board representative: http://www.artsforla.org

2) Sign a petition created by LAUSD arts educators: www.petitiononline.com

3) Learn the facts about why kids need music education: artsedge.kennedy-center.org

4) Know and share the story with friends and colleagues: latimesblogs.latimes.com

5) Adopt a class at an ETM-LA partner school, or make a donation:  www.supportetmla.org

6) Volunteer with ETM-LA:  www.etmla.org/how_to_help