This is the opening statement of "The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles", a document from ten of the nation's most important educational organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the National School Boards Assocation.

The basic statement is unlikely to be challenged by anyone involved in education. In the sometimes harsh reality of limited time and funding for instruction, however, the inclusion of the arts in every student's education can sometimes be relegated to a distant wish rather than an exciting reality.

It doesn't have to be that way.

All that is needed is a clear message, clearly sent to all those who must make the hard choices involved in running a school or school system. The basic message that music programs in the school help our kids and communities in real and substantial ways is eloquently mapped out in Music of the Heart. You can use the eloquence of the movie and the real-life story on which it is based to move decision-makers to make the right choices. And you can tell them about the benefits of music education on the basis of the growing body of convincing research.

Music study is its own reward. And music education confers additional benefits, which can be grouped in four categories:

1. Success in society

2. Success in school

3. Success in developing intelligence

4. Success in life

We firmly believe that, presented with the many and manifest benefits of music education, officials at all levels will unversally support a full, balanced, sequential course of music instruction taught by qualified teachers.