Published originally by the National Association for Music Education, written by Paul Fox

We’re coming up to Thanksgiving… and school music and art teachers do have a lot for which to be thankful!

In spite of all of the pressures involving student recruitment/retention and declining enrollments, equity/access to the arts, scheduling, budget, etc., we are among the few professionals who have “jumped into” a career of doing what we love! In our pilgrimage to promote and foster creative self-expression in the schools, music is life-long learning, and represents our personal mission/vision, our artistry, our vehicle to communicate and collaborate, our pastime and “play,” our inspiration, and what nurtures our souls!

Why are we so “lucky” to serve as music teachers?

1. Music is one of life’s greatest treasures!
2. You will always have your music. Your employment is also your hobby, and even after 35 or more years, you will be inclined to continue your music throughout the “golden years” of retirement.
3. There are so many ways you can “make a difference” in the lives of children with music. Whether it is singing, playing an instrument, composing, listening, feeling, or moving in response to music, music fills a basic need!
4. Although music is an excellent vehicle for developing 21st Century learning skills (the four C’s of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication), participating in music for music’s sake is paramount. To find true meaning and personal artistry, you cannot review the arts without “doing” (or creating) the arts.
5. Your joy of creative self-expression and “making music” will sustain you through almost anything… the good times and the bad! It will transfer to your students’ success in life.
6. In most settings of school music courses and extra-curricular activities, your students make a conscious effort to choose you and the study of music in order to spend as much time together. “They may have to take math and English, but they also want their daily dose of music!”
7. Newcomers to this field, you do not have to be right or perfect all the time in class. During your student teaching and early years on the job, if you are enthusiastic, dedicated, and respectful of the feelings of your students, your mistakes (and there will be many) will be forgiven. Besides, there are usually no “single right answers” in music and art – only opportunities for divergent and flexible thinking, adaptability, and personal expression.
8. You’ll never forget your students… and when you bump into them after graduation, they will remind you all about “those good times!” Don’t be surprised when they tell you were the best part of their education.

So, that’s why “earth” without “art” is just “eh!”