Let's Change the World

Let's change the world! Sounds ambitions doesn't it?


Well, we at the Abreu Fellowship Program think it is possible. I am honored to be part of an amazing team of Fellows and fortunate to be in an environment where people are excited about the future of music education.

This week I got to meet Tony Woodcock, president of the New England Conservatory. His excitement and energy is infectious and his belief in the power and potential of this program is inspiring. This year we will be having sessions with him regarding presentation and public speaking. But what's most exciting is the opportunity to exchange ideas with a person who is actively revitalizing the world of music and challenging others to do the same. If you are not familiar with Tony Woodcock, I invite you to listen to a presentation he gave recently at the Salzburg Global Seminars. Click  here to listen to his presentation.

How can we change the world? "Let's be Creative". Tony Woodcock invites us to re-evaluate our role by asking these questions:

-What is the role of a musician?
-What are the skills needed for contemporary society?

Creativity is not lacking in musicians and at NEC, Tony Woodcock is teaching us to trust and empower musicians because, together we can change the world. But how? Well, first we have to have a plan!
On Tuesday October 5th, Greg Kandel will be speaking to us about strategic planning. Kandel is a “partner of Management Consultants for the Arts, Inc., a consulting firm serving the American cultural community since 1983 through strategic planning, executive search, and organizational analysis”. He is also a contributor for the resources section on the National Endowment for the Arts webpage. You can Click  here to read his paper The Art in the Process of Planning . I am excited to hear what Greg has to say to us. I was recently reading a draft copy of one of Greg Kandel’s papers, and in it he quoted Eleanor Roosevelt:

“Only those who can see the invisible can accomplish the impossible!”

I agree with that statement 100%. And in order for us to change the world, we have to believe in a vision that although today may seem impossible, tomorrow will transform our world. For us music educators, musicians, and parents, El Sistema is providing us with that vision. A vision of a tomorrow where children who are considered ‘at risk’ now, will be empowered to take ownership of the world and contribute to our collective future. All through the power of music education.

On the evening of October 5th, I will be participating in a panel discussion at NEC entitled “Changing the World: Musicians and Social Action”. It is part of a Career Strategy Workshop Series offered to students, alumni, and the public. Click here for more info. I invite you to come. I also invite you to comment on my blog so…..

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