The Importance of Music in Schools: The Superintendent’s Perspective

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Challenges in Music Education

Abstract

Superintendents play a central role in shaping educational priorities and the allotment of resources, yet their perspectives on music education remain underexplored. This multiple case study investigates how six U.S. superintendents across urban, suburban, and rural districts perceive school music programs. Through in-depth interviews, we examine their beliefs about music’s value, goals for music education, and perceived challenges to sustaining robust programs. Findings aim to inform both music educators and policymakers about how superintendents’ views align with broader educational goals, and how advocacy efforts might better resonate with district leadership. This study contributes to the literature on arts education leadership and offers practical insights for aligning music education with administrative decision-making in diverse school contexts.

Authors

• Ryan D. Shaw, Michigan State University

• Cara Bernard, University of Connecticut