From its earliest beginnings, American education has set a standard over time in its public school system for providing excellent music education programs. Programs that test and support musicality, creativity, and non-musical skills have long been symbols and staples of quality music education in our country. Music education programs in public schools, always a part of changing communities and alternative environments, adapt over time and include the latest technologies, the music industry, and ethno-musical offerings. American music education is an amazing educational process and opportunity for K-12 students!

But, one aspect of providing consistent delivery of music programs in our country is consideration of planned budget allocations. When music became a part of the during-school curriculum in California, there is evidence during the 1920s and 1930s of discussions about how school district administrators and the State of California planned to pay for music programs. However, review of historical conversations in California regarding the cost of music education and how districts planned to budget for certificated music teachers in public schools appear similar to those of today-- absent, or unchanged. In order to dismiss budget challenges that have been endured by highly valued programs, open conversations may help in re-designing how school budgets are allocated with an eye toward consistency for California's growing 6.5 million K-12 students in the 21st century.

The California Music Education Funding Summit hopes to bring together music teachers, education, and finance leaders to develop new ideas. While music education budget allocations may be a leading challenge to administration attitudes about K-12 music education, there are exemplary districts who consistently deliver K-12 music over time. In addition to reviewing successful districts' methods, music education, public policy, education, and finance, are invited to consider implementation of a budget structure that includes public school music education budgets as line items rather than general fund expenditures.

With a sense of urgency, please plan to add your voice to the California Music Education Funding Summit.

Contact us to serve as a panelist or get involved: 310.863.6422.