The Music Educators' Creed

"As a music teacher, I devote myself to two important causes:

1. Helping all people to make music a part of their lives, and
2. Advancing the art of music.

I believe that all people have the right to an education in music that:

• Teaches them the lifelong joy of making music through singing and playing instruments
• Gives them a chance to express through music what cannot be expressed in words
• Helps them to respond to music intellectually and emotionally
• Teaches them the language of music notation and opens the door to improvising, composing and arranging
• Equips them to make informed judgements about musical works and performances
• Educates them in the music of all cultures and historical eras
• Allows them to discover and develop their special talents including preparing to make music their profession, if they so choose
• Prepares them to be involved with music throughout their lives

I teach music because - music makes a difference in the lives of people."

~Developed by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) in 1991~