Why Music Matters Quotes:

“There is a practical reason for music education: it teaches people to think, to solve problems, to take risks, to think independently, to be an entrepreneur and innovator. The virtues of music education are the virtues of free enterprise in general and of a high tech, knowledge based society in particular: flexibility, adaptability, inventiveness, even playfulness.”
William E. LaMothe, C.E.O., Xerox Company

“In the eyes of posterity the success of the United States as a civilized society will be largely judged by the creative activities of it’s citizens in the arts, architecture, literature and music.”
President Eisenhower’s Commission on National Goals

“Music is a way for young people to connect with themselves as well as a bridge for connecting with others. Through music, we can introduce children to the richness and diversity of the human family and to the myriad rhythms of life.”
Daniel A. Carp, CEO, Eastman Kodak

“Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation. By studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives and experience the world from a new perspective.”
President Bill Clinton

“The arts are an important component of education. Music reaches us and teaches us in ways that can enlighten, and inspire for a lifetime. Some people may see music as entertainment, not relevant to the problems of the day, but music is very important in giving a sense of direction and purpose to the youth of our society.”
John Bryan, CEO, Sara Lee Corporation

“During the Gulf War music brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children.”
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf — United States Army

“The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results. . . Not a bad preparation for the workforce!”
Gregory Anrig – President, Educational Testing Service

“A grounding in the arts will help our children to see; to bring a uniquely human perspective to science and technology. In short, it will help them as they grow smarter to also grow wiser.”
Robert E. Allen – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T Corporation

“The back-to basics curricula, while it has merit, ignores the most urgent void in our present system – absence of self-discipline. The arts, inspiring – indeed requiring – self-discipline, may be more basic to our nation's survival than traditional courses.”
Paul Harvey – syndicated radio show host

“In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’ – and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource – our children.”
John Sykes — President, VH1

“Music is exciting. It is thrilling to be with a group of people creating the same piece of music. You are part of a great, powerful, vibrant entity. Music is important. It says things your heart can't say any other way, and in a language everyone speaks.”
Dan Rather — CBS News

“Music is an essential part of everything we do. Music has an abstract quality which speaks to a worldwide audience in a wonderful way that nourishes the soul.”
Jim Henson – film/television producer and puppeteer

“Helping our children become the most informed, well-rounded people they can be is the greatest gift we can offer them. It will allow them to embrace the world and to reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives. It is our job, as parents, educators, and friends, to see that our young people have the opportunity to participate in music. In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.”
Edward H. Rensi – President, McDonald's

“Music, of all the liberal arts, has the greatest influence over the passions, and it is that to which the legislator ought to give the greatest encouragement.”
Napoleon Bonaparte

“Music has a great power for bringing people together. With so many forces in this world driving wedges between people, it's important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity.”
Ted Turner - Corporate Executive