Middleton, WI -- As a member of the NAMM Government Relations and Education Committee, Full Compass Systems president Susan Lipp is fighting hard to keep music in schools. Currently in the second of a 3-year term on the NAMM board of directors, Lipp is passionate about the cause, which seeks to influence education reform legislation in Washington, DC and stem the loss of core musical instruction programs.
"Learning to play music is a vital part of the process of cognitive development in children," Lipp said, citing research undertaken by NAMM linking musical education with school success in math, science and reading. "It's sad to see so many schools making cuts-and even eliminating-music programs. Through our lobbying and public relations efforts, we hope to educate people at all levels about the value of music in our schools, and reverse this trend."
Beyond NAMM's activities in Washington, the organization has adopted a high-profile media stance for the musical education cause by partnering with PBS' Sesame Street, as well as with VH1's Save the Music Foundation.
"The Save the Music Foundation has raised thousands of dollars for music education via charitable auctions and other events," Lipp added. "Through our partnership with Sesame Street, we've been able to deliver our message to a global audience in 149 countries. From New York to California, and Beijing to Madrid, we're out to make a difference."
