Music Teacher Cafe

As I attended the Promise of Music Symposium at the Royal Conservatory of Music last month, I sat intently listening to the movers and shakers in the music education world. Many of them had accomplished great things, founded music education programs (i.e. El Sistema, Hamilton Philharmonic, etc.), funded music education initiatives, and were currently involved in music education projects around the world. It was a fascinating experience. However, the theme was clear. The solution to increased music education (and therefore social change, a partial but not complete truth, in my opinion) was to lobby governments for funding and inject music education into society through government programs.

Now, I realize that my judgment may be clouded by the following facts. 1. I’m a conservative in my politics, sceptical of government control and government effectiveness. 2. I’m making a living for myself through private music education. Therefore, as I listened, I couldn’t help but ask the following questions in my mind:

Where does all this leave the private music educator? Are we doomed if we don’t fall under the government umbrella? Do viable business models exist in music education that maintain both profit and educational integrity? How do we cooperate and supplement those (usually good) things that are happening in the schools and the community?

I’m just asking.