When the school board for the district her children were attending school in proposed to cut elementary music education, NAfME member Lori Schwartz Reichl created the response below for presentation to the school board.
“To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.”—Eva Lewis
I’m Lori Schwartz Reichl—a parent, educator, musician, and proud Doctor of Music Education. I come from a family of educators and musicians, but also athletes, engineers, beauticians, medical professionals, and more. What binds us together is not a single profession, but a shared belief in a comprehensive education—one that values music alongside every other subject. Because in music, we all found a place to belong.
I’ve taught music in rural schools, Title I schools, and a school placed on corrective action. I now travel the country speaking about confident and compassionate leadership because of those experiences. And in every space, someone inevitably shares how music education shaped their life—often because it gave them belonging—which elementary schoolers desperately need (even adults!).
When I speak to engineers at my husband’s defense company, they don’t talk about math equations. They talk about what they learned to secure and keep their job. These are transferable skills they credit to learning in a music ensemble—collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance—and that they use every day in the workforce.
I could cite the research showing how music supports cognitive development, academic outcomes, and social-emotional learning. Our own Marylander, Susan Magsamen, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, shows us—through science—how the arts, and especially music, influence emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance well-being—the essential skills elementary students (or anyone!) must learn to be successful in school and life.
But what music truly builds is confidence.
As a child, I was both an athlete and a musician. Across courts, fields, and stages, I developed teamwork, discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. As I collaborated with others, my confidence grew through the trust we built together—allowing us to perform at our best in every game and concert.
Don’t believe me? Check out United Sound. https://www.unitedsound.org/
Not every child will be an athlete, or engineer, or doctor. But every child can be a musician.
Every person can perform music. Everyone.
Music meets students—people—where they are. It gives voice to the quiet child, belonging to the unseen student, and purpose to those who struggle to find success or belonging elsewhere.
Music teaches us to learn, listen, lead, and love.
Could students begin band, orchestra, or chorus in sixth grade? Sure. Just as they’re juggling every new middle school demand! What does that do to skill development? To program strength? Once these programs disappear, rebuilding them is often impossible, even by the most experienced educator.
We understand this in sports. We train children early so they can grow and compete at higher levels over time. Now imagine removing two years of an athlete’s development. The uproar would be immediate!
As an athlete and coach, I understand that comparison. And as a musician and educator, I must be clear: Eliminating elementary instrumental music and chorus doesn’t simply delay participation—it fundamentally alters a child’s confidence, an educator’s craft, a program’s stability, a community’s future, and our society’s commitment to nurturing expressive and engaged citizens.
When we consider eliminating music, we are making a statement about who—and what—we value.
I urge you to look beyond short-term savings and consider the long-term cost. Protect music education at all levels—beginning in elementary school, where curiosity is sparked, belonging is nurtured, confidence is built, and lifelong learners are formed.
About the Author
NAfME member Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl is the visionary leader behind MAKING KEY CHANGES, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to mentorship and motivation. She also founded The Confidence Camp for Kids and The Confidence Retreat for Adults—experiences that empower people to grow as confident, compassionate leaders.
An accomplished author, educator, podcaster, and former public school band director, Lori focuses her work on transformation through leadership and human connection.
Today, she leads a global classroom—guiding organizations and teams to unlock their potential, strengthen their people, and make key changes that help them grow alongside those they love, serve, and lead.
A sought-after speaker and consultant, Lori has delivered hundreds of workshops and keynote addresses worldwide. Her dynamic programs inspire audiences to align around a shared vision, boost confidence, overcome burnout, promote engagement, and embrace change as a catalyst for growth.
Lori hosts the MAKING KEY CHANGES podcast and produces its companion newsletter, sharing weekly, actionable insights to inspire continuous learning and leadership.
Lori lives in Maryland with her husband and their two active children.
Learn more at MakingKeyChanges.com.