Equal opportunities in music

I firmly believe that music can benefit anyone who becomes involved with it in life-changing ways.  It is because of this that I champion any opportunity to make music more accessible. 

I have been able to work with many people with hearing impairments over the last several years in musical settings and have learned a lot from doing so.  Experiencing/enjoying music is not solely dependent upon hearing sounds - many people gain the most satisfaction from music through feeling the way the instrument responds, knowing that they are maintaining a tradition, or even simply working with others to accomplish a goal.  I know that too often would-be students are turned away from music because they are told they would not be able to achieve anything.  Absolutely anyone is able to reap some of the many benefits of music (see http://www.schoolmusictoday.com/advocacy/12benefits.html, http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/benefits.html, and http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/2001/03.22/04-music.html for just a few examples).

Helping others to develop an appreciation of music akin to my own is a personal life-goal.  I have a strong desire that anyone who wishes to do so has the means to be involved with music. I know firsthand the benefits a relationship with music can bring to a person’s life. Music has broadened my horizons, and led me to achieve things I once never believed were possible. From a small town in rural Oklahoma, music has brought me to the bustling metropolis of London. I know that music has the power to transform lives, and I hope to spread that knowledge to those I meet.