Arguing for Arts Education Music and Art Training Is Essential to 'Growing Up Complete,' Says a Major US Report

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IN a display of unprecedented unity, the nation's music and educational communities have sent an urgent message to federal and state policymakers: "America is losing its soul" - musically speaking, that is.

Composers, rock musicians, music teachers, principals, and others have raised their voices demanding that music and other arts be included at the center of school curricula, because experience in the arts is "fundamental to what it means to be an educated person."

In a report presented to members of Congress in March, the recently formed National Commission on Music Education calls for a more balanced approach to education reform efforts. Government leaders …