Music teacher heads to DC to lobby for education

Rick’s Musical Instruments instructor to attend Washington education ‘fly-in’

CUMBERLAND – Scott Abrahamson, of Rick’s Musical Instruments, Inc. will travel to Washington, D.C. next week to advocate for children to have access to school music education programs. Abrahamson will join nearly 100 music industry leaders and artists as part of a delegation of music education advocates during the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) annual Music Education Fly-In, May 22-25.

The issue takes on special importance this year as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law in 2015 by President Obama readies for state-level implementation in 2018 and specifies music as part of a well-rounded education. Abrahamson will meet with Members of Congress and other elected officials to advocate for schoollevel music programs across the nation and to discuss the multitude of benefits music education espouses such as increased brain function, focus and language development, as discussed in a new research study from Northwestern University.

Abrahamson, who began his music career as classroom music educator, said “our advocacy for music education is more important than ever. The success of our nation depends upon a comprehensive, well rounded education for children, of which music is an integral part.”

The week of advocacy work will begin with on Monday, May 22 with a Day of Service at Jefferson Middle School Academy, with hands-on lessons in a variety of instruments for the school’s students. On Tuesday, Abrahamson will participate in a full day of advocacy training at the national level, as well as in developing a state-level advocacy program. On Wednesday, the group will head to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with members of Congress, their staff and other elected officials and stakeholders in education policy.

Scott Abrahamson is the Director of Education for Rick’s Musical Instruments, Inc., and its Massachusetts division, Bravo Musical Instruments. A veteran music educator who directed award winning programs, he was hired with the specific mission to connect music industry with music education programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island so that students are afforded every opportunity to succeed. Additionally, he works to provide teacher professional development as well as mentoring for new teachers to ensure that music educators are fully equipped to provide the best music education possible for our children.