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NJ Music School Owner Responds to NAFME
An Open Letter from The Owner of Academy of Music and Dance In response to recent events pertaining to Minorities in the Music Education Fi
Spotswood, NJ – May 15, 2016
Hello,
I would like to respond to the published comments made by former executive director and CEO of the National Association for Music Education (NAFME) Michael Butera. Specifically, according to Billboard Magazine, Butera stated that ‘“Blacks and Latinos lack the keyboard skills needed for this field” and suggested that music theory was too difficult a subject for minorities.’
I’m a former public school music teacher and the owner of my own music school in Middlesex County, NJ for nearly 20 years. I’ve employed over a hundred, part time and full time music teachers at my studio. Sadly, less than 5% of them have been Black or Latino. Truth is, we just don’t see the job applications and resumes.
I agree with Butera that having the keyboard skills combined with the music theory skills required for becoming a music teacher (e.g. school band/orchestra director, general music teacher, or school choir director) almost always requires a formal education in music; piano lessons are very important. And, generally, you can’t just teach yourself and have all the skills necessary for the job.
But, suggesting that the color of one’s skin dictates any kind of intelligence level or potential for learning, well that’s just wrong. I wonder if Butera’s comment was taken out of context.
Fact is, as we know, still too many minority families fall under the poverty line and not only can’t afford or get to piano lessons, they also often live in environments that simply aren’t conducive to studying music theory. Many don’t have access to a piano and, sadly, even in a city as rich in the arts as New York City, 57% of public schools don’t have full time music teachers on staff. (according to the New York City Department of Education’s Annual Arts in Schools 2011-2012 report). Hence, all these children are missing out on a basic school music education; and the majority of these children are minorities.
Fortunately, I think there may be a silver lining as I’ve watched our student base change from approximately 80% white in 1997 to now 55% minority; both from the influx of Indian families, and also from a growing number of Black and Latino families. So, if my school in Central NJ is any possible reflection of a trend, I’m hoping that in time the face of the music teaching industry will change to more accurately reflect our diverse population.
My staff and I believe now is the time to take advantage of this conversation being open and brought to the forefront by NAFME and Billboard Magazine. In efforts to take a proactive measure to this issue, we would like to join other music educators to create a mentorship program.
If you have further questions, please contact me at melody@mlsbmanagement.com or at 732-251-3050.
Sincerely,
Melody Stevens
Owner
Academy of Music and Dance
Spotswood, NJ
Additional links
· Billboard magazine article “Music-Education CEO Says Minorities Lack 'Keyboard Skills,' Loses Job”.
· A Message from The National Executive Board
· National Association for Music Education (NAFME) Announces New CEO
About The Academy Of Music and Dance: Established in 1992 in East Brunswick, NJ, as Music Factory Learning Center the company began as a small community music school on the second floor above a deli, teaching private music lessons. In 2005, they expanded into a 3400 sf facility in a brand new shopping center in Spotswood, NJ, changed their name to Academy of Music on Main Street, as well as added ensembles and an early childhood music program. The school grew to 600+ students by the Spring of 2008. Most recently, the school added dance classes to better serve their families and community. The school renamed The Academy of Music and Dance in 2014. This announcement marks the celebration of AMD’s grand opening of their new 4100 sq. ft. location.
The Academy of Music and Dance offers music and dance lessons, including guitar lessons, vocal lessons, piano lessons, drum, bass, violin, viola, cello, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, as well as ballet classes, jazz, tap/jazz/ballet, and hip hop classes. Located in Spotswood, NJ, they serve students in the Middlesex County area, including Monroe, East Brunswick, and Old Bridge.
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