MARCHING.COM: National Association of Music Parents (AMP) turns up the volume on arts education advocacy for parents

Grassroots organization to help parents and students capitalize on proven academic, social and emotional benefits of music-making

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Sept. 30, 2011) — Parents, educators, students and boosters of music education all gain a powerful new champion with the launch of the National Association of Music Parents (AMP). AMP will link parents, students, educators and the music product industry with an organization to promote and support music-making and arts education nationwide.

Engaging and empowering parents to take ownership of their children's complete education, including music and the arts, AMP will give parents tools and best practices to help champion these curriculums in their local communities, along with proven advocacy strategies to help ensure that all children can access quality music education programs. AMP will work collaboratively with established music-making advocates such as NAMM, SupportMusic.com and The National Association for Music Education.

The substantial academic, social and emotional benefits of music-making on human development have been widely documented. The College Board found that students involved in music programs scored 107 points higher on the SATs than those who are not. The U.S. Department of Education data links involvement in instrumental music to "significantly higher levels of mathematical proficiency." According to AMP CEO/Founder Scott McCormick, students of all musical talent levels and genres stand to benefit academically from musical training and engagement.

"Every child is wired for musical understanding; the earlier the training begins, the stronger the benefits," states McCormick. "By demonstrating to parents the remarkable advantages that music learning and music making offer their children, parents will be able to encourage their children to become involved and stay active, which will lead them to significant educational benefits."

Noting that top performing countries in science and math also have music and arts requirements, McCormick added, "Studies show that arts in schools increases test scores and lowers drop-out rates, as well as creates life skills, and fosters teamwork, communication, problem solving, negotiation, time management, leadership and creative thinking. These are all traits that the education reform movement states are needed to compete successfully in the 21st century global economy."

AMP will conduct its first monthly Webinar on October 17 with host Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to introduce the organization and share some of the highlights of the organization to its members. In addition, AMP will hold its inaugural Music Parent Leadership Conference, January 20-22, 2012, in Anaheim, California, concurrent to Winter NAMM 2012, the music industry's preeminent trade show. NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, is collaborating with AMP and invites conference attendees to participate in Music Education Days at the NAMM Show. NAMM is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.

"As the education reform movement races into high gear, we can no longer passively hope that music and the arts will be included in the discussion," continues McCormick. "We must educate parents, and be an influence to our local school boards and administrations. Then, en masse, we must band together to educate our legislators on the proven academic and developmental value that an arts education provides young people."

Learn more and join the movement at www.AMParents.org.

About The National Association of Music Parents (AMP): The National Association of Music Parents mission is to build a grassroots national movement that empowers parents to defend the interests of our students and ensure that music and the arts remain an integral discipline within the core education system in America. Beyond mobilizing parents, AMP seeks to work with valued partners in both music education and in the music products industry to ensure that music and arts remain relevant on both the local and national level.

Text and image courtesy of AMP.

Copyright 2011 Marching.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published or redistributed without permission.

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National Association of Music Parents (AMP) turns up the volume on arts education advocacy for parents