LOS ANGELES, CA – On March 12-13, 2025, as part of the 15th Annual Music Unites the World Festival during Music In Our Schools Month®, ETM-LA hosted panel discussions for parents and community members on Music, Mind, & Child Development. Moderated by ETM-LA Executive Director Victoria Lanier, guest panelists included John Dennis (Executive Creative Director, Music, Disney Imagineering, ETM-LA Board Member), Raashi Kulkarni (Composer & Pianist), Leah Paul (Music Teacher & Lecturer), and Angel Velez (Conductor & Orchestrator, ETM-LA Associates Board Member).
Topics ranged from personal impact stories with music, navigating careers in the creative economy, learning life skills through music education, how to nurture children’s curiosity and exploration of music, and more. Dennis reflected, “Music can bring so much to kids and their self-esteem… music became a lens for me to understand myself better.”
Panelists also discussed the wide-ranging benefits of music education when embedded in school – academically, socially, and emotionally. Paul shared, “Participating in music is a great community builder. As an adult, I’m so glad I can speak the language of music.” Kulkarni confided, “Piano gave me joy, a way to express myself, and discipline to practice; it gave me patience. It helped me in other subjects; you have to listen to each other – both in and out of the classroom.”
On the topic of encouraging students when facing challenges, Dennis offered: “Failure isn’t final or fatal; it’s part of the journey.” He referenced a popular motto at Disney Imagineering: “Fail fast and get on with the good stuff.” Velez agreed, “[It’s] a first attempt at learning… what you do next is what is important.” Kulkarni shared her mindset: “Your support system is important. Feel your feelings today, but tomorrow focus on continuing to do good work. No one can take away the hard work you’ve put in.”
A Q&A session was held at the end of each panel discussion which compelled parents to further inquire how best to support students learning music. Paul shared, “Practicing every day is more important than the length of time… it’s about getting into the routine.” Velez said, “The whole idea of music is to explore… let your kids explore, and let it be OK. Let them play whatever note they want on that instrument.” Dennis recommended: “Encourage them with what they like to play. They find their own passions with your encouragement and support.”
Advocacy for music education also became an important topic. An ETM-LA Parent asked: “How do we get elementary schools to have more music?” Lanier expressed that school districts, leaders, and parents must come together on a vision, and “you (parents) are the advocates and champions for your music program.” Velez added, “Many times we don’t share our concerns to the right ears. Contact superintendents, administrators… start the conversation with them. Show them what it’s like to have or not have music programs.”
For more information on how music supports students’ mental, social, and emotional health and learning, view ETM-LA’s Impact Study.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Moskovciak
Phone: (818) 433-7600
Email: press@etmla.org
Website: www.etmla.org
Photo Credit: Farah Sosa
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Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org