Over the course of this podcast we’ve talked about why and how we fight for music education. Music participation facilitates cognitive, social, and emotional growth, and should be held in high regard. But as a musician, sometimes I want to argue that we should teach music because I love it. Because it's magical. I want to talk about music as if we did not have to advocate for it. So in this episode we're going to talk about music in terms of joy. I asked musicians and music education advocates to share a joyful musical memory.

What does a music therapist have to say about music education and mental health?  

In this episode we will approach the music and emotions argument from a new angle. We will unpack what music therapy is, and dive deeper into the emotional benefits of music with Maria Hricko Fay. Maria is the government relations specialist for the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), a board-certified music therapist, a licensed social worker, and a former music educator.

What can music education do for our social and emotional growth?

Over the next two episodes we'll be answering that question. First, let's talk to Scott Edgar about music education and social emotional learning (SEL). Dr. Edgar is the Music Chair, and an Associate Professor of Music at Lake Forest College. Prior to his work in higher education Dr. Edgar was a high school band director for seven years. In March of 2021 he was named Director of Practice and Research for the Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning.