May 2022
MUSIC MATTERS: DIVERSIFIED, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE
Music is one of the most powerful art forms for invisibly linking our hearts together, allowing us to feel, and connecting us to something greater than ourselves. Growing up, I was inspired by composers of all eras and genres, and constantly amazed at the universal language of music. As a vocalist, I marveled at how the human voice could become such a wonderfully transformative instrument that bonded me to my listeners and fellow musicians. Recently, as we interviewed three of our music Partners, earlier this month, about the way music matters in their lives, work, and community, my own awareness has continued to grow and expand.
Music is something that billions of us absorb and experience, so it’s ability to build bridges, tell stories, and facilitate greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across cultures is unparalleled. It has the power to greatly influence and impact issues within our society. As a powerful community builder, music can bring people of different demographics, cultures, races, social-economic backgrounds together and help them share a common interest through music. Through music, they are in a better position to have greater empathy, understanding, tolerance, appreciation, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusivity of one another.
The National Association for Music Education’s Position Statement states, in part that
““The study of music includes the study of the people, places, and cultures involved in its creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures, and genres. It further states, “Equity in Music Education addresses equitable access to music education for all students, so that students, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, economic status, religious background, sexual orientation and identity, and socioeconomic status, academic standing, exceptionalities, or musical abilities, can participate in the making of music within their schools.””
To better understand the impact of music on our lives, (in general) in early childhood development, Carnegie Hall commissioned a research paper from Dr. Dennie Wolf, titled “Why Making Music Matters.” The resulting study concluded that music plays a key and vital role in human development of children and everyone, in seven (7) key areas:
(1) building brains and bodies
(2) becoming close
(3) communicating and imagining
(4) sharing and managing feelings
(5) being with others
(6) belonging to a community
(7) making music finding joy.
At the South Fulton Institute, we believe in engaging and connecting communities through shared experiences. Music provides the universal language that can inspire, empower, educate, motivate, and entertain … Music Matters: Diversified, Equitable, and Inclusive!
Jennifer Bauer-Lyons
Executive Director