We, the undersigned, firmly believe that music education is an integral part of a well-rounded education and should be accessible to all students from an early age. As residents of the city of Torrance, we appreciate and value the high quality education that our children receive. However, compared to the care of the curriculum development and vertical alignment in academic areas, arts education is clearly treated as an enrichment, rather than a vital part of the education that every child should have.

The California Education Code stipulates that all students should have access to sequential, standards-based courses in dance, music, theater and visual arts. However, access to these subjects in Torrance schools is largely provided by volunteers, and even with music classes taught by credentialed teachers this year, there is no unified curriculum across the district nor vertical alignment with middle and high school programs.

We call upon the Torrance School Board, Superintendent Stowe, and policymakers to implement sequential, standards-based instrumental and vocal instruction as a fundamental component of the elementary school curriculum.

Music education offers numerous benefits to children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. It enhances brain function, improves academic performance, fosters creativity, and cultivates important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. By introducing instrumental and vocal instruction at the elementary level, we can provide children with a solid foundation in music and empower them to explore their musical talents and interests.

We demand:

Inclusive Curriculum: The elementary school curriculum should include structured music lessons that incorporate both instrumental and vocal instruction. These lessons should be designed to accommodate students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate and succeed in music education.

Qualified Teachers: Qualified music educators with expertise in both instrumental and vocal instruction should be employed to teach music classes in elementary schools. These teachers should receive adequate training and support to effectively engage students and deliver high-quality music education.

Access to Instruments and Resources: Schools should provide access to a variety of musical instruments and resources to support instrumental and vocal instruction. This includes instruments such as keyboards, guitars, percussion, and access to vocal training materials, ensuring that students have the necessary tools to develop their musical skills.

Integration with Core Subjects: Music education should be integrated with other core subjects such as language arts, math, and social studies to enhance interdisciplinary learning and promote a holistic approach to education. Incorporating music into various aspects of the curriculum can reinforce academic concepts and make learning more engaging and meaningful for students.

Community Involvement: Collaboration with local music organizations, artists, and community members should be encouraged to enrich music education programs in elementary schools. Guest performances, workshops, and mentorship opportunities can provide students with valuable exposure to different musical styles and career pathways in the music industry.

By signing this petition, we advocate for the inclusion of standards-based instrumental and vocal instruction in the elementary school curriculum to ensure that every child has access to a comprehensive music education. Join us in advocating for the rights of students to receive a well-rounded education that nurtures their artistic talents and enriches their lives.