Bringing Music Alive in Schools: Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth Through Music Education

Music programs are a powerful force in the lives of young people, whether it’s through building self-confidence, fostering belonging, or helping students navigate the overwhelming challenges of today. And yet, access to meaningful music education remains deeply unequal among children and may become increasingly inaccessible in the future.
This roundtable brings together panelists from across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Ireland who are reimagining what music programs can look like. Together, the panelists will share insights into how their music programs are bringing about social change and the impacts they have witnessed in the lives and well-being of their students. For educators, administrators, parents and policymakers alike, this session offers a window into what’s possible when we commit to making high-quality music education accessible to every child – a right, not a luxury or privilege.