Dan Israel on Music and Arts Education

photo by Steve Cohen

How did you get into making music, and how did arts education (or lack thereof) affect you and your music?

Well, a lot of the impetus really came from my parents, who encouraged music-making at an early age. I was basically forced to take piano lessons from about age six to age twelve – at which point I decided I was more into guitar and they let me take lessons on that instead. But clearly, the background I had from taking piano lessons (even if, at the time, I felt it was just a burden) was a huge help to me with making music, and I really feel strongly that every child should have the opportunity to learn in that way, which really helps kids understand the fundamentals of music.

I was lucky enough to go to public school in a really excellent school district, St. Louis Park, where arts education was seen as a high priority and was properly funded by the city and the citizens of the school district. So I think it played a major role in keeping me interested in creating music. When kids get arts education in school, it gives them a foundation for branching out on their own and learning how to make their own music as well. It’s as much about “encouragement” and “sparking interest” as it is about “learning to play a particular instrument.” So I feel really strongly that arts education ought to be a huge priority for public schools, and there needs to be a steady stream of funding across the board (not just for wealthier school districts) to keep that important aspect of education rolling.

This post is part of our 60-hour blogathon in support of music development and literacy within the Twin Cities. We appreciate you visiting the site – but before you go, we ask that you consider clicking the Donors Choose banner below and giving what you can to help enrich the lives of a number of local children through music and reading. Thank you. – Culture Bully