MusicianCorps
Ξ December 17th, 2008 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Microfinance, Philanthropy |
The arts, and in particular, music, help stimulate creativity. They help foster great ideas. So when my company set forth in aligning ourselves with nonprofits I did not think twice about supporting The Music National Service Initiative and their mission to launch MusicianCorps. MusicianCorps is an international youth service music movement that expands the use of music in: 1) Underserved schools and communities to develop more successful students and youth; 2) Health care and therapeutic settings for recovery and improved functioning; 3) the public domain for increased civic engagement, advocacy, volunteerism and diplomacy.
I have the great fortune of calling one of the founders of the Music National Service Initiative, Jim Kurtz, one of my friends. His passion for music is infectious and his vigilance towards raising awareness about the importance of music is second to none. Jim and I once attended an event for social entrepreneurs and his eyes lit up with delight when he talked about his passion project. He told me that President elect Obama and other leaders in Washington had supported projects for the arts and he was confident in its ability to achieve the desired results. I have absolutely no doubt that it will.
The numbers don’t lie. Schools with music programs have significantly higher graduation rates than those without programs – 90.2% as compared to 72.9% (Harris poll of high school principals, 2006). Nearly nine in ten people (88%) with post-graduate degrees participated in music education. Further, 83% of those with incomes of $150,000 or more participated in music (2007 Harris Poll). Not only does music increase graduation rates and lead to an increase in annual salary but it also builds self-confidence. For at-risk youths, the arts contribute to lower recidivism rates for crimes; increased self esteem; the acquisition of job skills; and the development of much needed creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills (Impact of Art Ed, on Workforce Prep., 2002, NGA).
Service is the way of the future. National Service attracts energetic and talented young people at a fraction of the cost. Approximately 8% of the graduating class of Yale, Dartmouth, and Harvard apply to Teach for America. National Service develops long-term resources and leaders. 72% of AmeriCorps members continue to volunteer after their formal service periods end. 90% go on to pursue careers in public service (S. Sagawa, Center for American Progress, Sept. 2007).
Given our country’s current economic malaise, fostering creativity is possibly more essential now than ever before. The Peace Corps has had tremendous success since its inception in the 1960s and MusicianCorps can spawn positive results this century. The Millennials are highly motivated and they are quick to mobilize. They are the perfect agents for the innovative change that we seek. “America needs a workforce that is flexible, adaptable, and highly creative; and it needs an education system that can develop these qualities in everyone. The arts teach many of these skills, aptitudes and values that are at the heart of America’s growing ‘creative’ economy and beyond”, says Sir Ken Robinson, Senior Advisor of the Getty Foundation. I could not agree with Robinson more. Music encourages participation in groups and teaches kids the importance of collaboration. If we are to succeed in the future then we will need to nourish these characteristics. I am not blessed with much musical talent but I love music and hope that one day other people will see it for what it is: a creative refuge that can help stimulate positive emotions. John Logan once said that music is medicine for the mind. I agree. So lets do our part and make sure that we give everyone a chance to receive his or her necessary dosage by supporting MusicianCorps.
