Time to Revise the Menu. What does “Music is for Everyone” really mean?
Droe, K. L. (2021). Time to Revise the Menu. What does “Music is for Everyone” really mean? Iowa Music Educator, Fall/Winter, 75 (1), 18-19.
This article from the Iowa Music Educator challenges the assumption that “music is for everyone” is already being achieved in schools. Using an accessible and memorable metaphor of an ice cream shop, it argues that limited course offerings, often centered on band and choir, restrict participation as students progress through school. The article advocates for expanding the “menu” of music experiences to include options such as guitar, modern band, music production, and culturally relevant ensembles. It emphasizes that increasing access is not about lowering standards, but about broadening opportunities so more students can find meaningful entry points into music. By encouraging ongoing professional growth and curricular flexibility, the article presents a pathway toward more inclusive and engaging music education.
