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From the Home of Mozart: The Transformative Power of Music — Individual, Social, Cultural, and Civic Development

I am a strong believer in the power of the arts for education and development. I was pleased to see an international gathering at the Salzburg Seminars in Austria this spring on The Transformative Power of Music concur.

Music opens the mind and heart to foster the innovative thinking that today’s – and tomorrow’s leaders – need. I won’t bore you with the neuroscience, just remind you that music is a heck of a swell way to rewire your brain and enhance your creative capacities. Play with others, and you enhance your skills in collaboration, listening, team work, and more.

The Salzburg Seminar Fellows felt so strongly about the issues, they drafted a manifesto for governments, thought-leaders, funding agencies, and educators.

“We believe that music is a proven gateway to engaged citizenship, personal development, and well-being. Only through urgent and sustained action can we foster a new generation of energized, committed, self-aware, creative and productive members of society."

You can find the full manifesto, the final report from Seminar, and videos of the week’s highlights (including some great music and interviews on the latest from neuroscience) at http://www.salzburgglobal.org/current/news.cfm?IDMedia=60456

It’s well worth a look and a listen, Share it with policy and decision makers you know.  And it’s never too late to start those piano lessons yourself!  The ROI is guaranteed to be strong.