Last summer at the National Assembly for NAfME, David Weaver, NASA's Associate Administrator for the Office of Communication, was part of a presentation stressing the importance of music and the arts in education. Following the meeting, I contacted David and asked if he would share his thoughts in more depth. Given the emphasis being placed on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the curriculum, David's perspective regarding the arts in relation to those areas was refreshing based on his work with engineers and scientists at NASA.

How should music teachers advocate for the arts in education?

They should be honest and straight-forward about how music helps people to think critically and creatively. Have some examples of students who are musicians but also do other things. For example, Herbie Hancock is a space enthusiast, but his first college major was in electrical engineering.* Music and the arts compliment what is learned in the sciences and math, and those learning areas can help what students know and can do in music. It is not enough to simply emphasize the "core" subjects. Doing so can limit learning and creativity in all areas. Music and the arts are important to all students.

A great example of how creativity is important to those involved with the space program is what happened during the Apollo 13 mission. It took a lot of creative thinking to come up with a solution to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. As we work toward a human mission to Mars, it will take a great deal of imagination and creativity to get us there successfully. In my experience at NASA, a lot of the engineers and scientists are active musicians.

What is your musical background?

My mom was a music teacher and everyone in her family was musically inclined. We sat around the piano and had sing-alongs and played guitar, so enjoying doing music was modeled for me from a young age. I started playing drums in elementary school and remember doing a variety show in 6th grade. I also sang in middle school choir. In high school I started guitar and in my 10th grade guitar class, after learning three chords, I wrote my first song. For me, being able to write and play my own music became very important, more so than "organized" ensembles. I have continued to play guitar and compose songs throughout my life which has provided a creative outlet that has helped me be a more creative thinker, a better employee, and an expressive husband and father.

Any final thoughts?

Yes, when advocating for the arts, consider to whom you are speaking. Do not assume the people you are talking to come from an arts background, or understand the importance of music education. If they are scientists or politicians, guide your comments so you are speaking in a way that will connect with their perspectives. Again, use specific examples of people they know who are connected to the arts. By doing so, you will be making the case that music makes a complete education for all students who are living in a world where being creative and able to use one's imagination helps them become most successful in life.

*Go to NPR "Jazz Profiles" dated March 21, 2012, to read and hear more about Hancock's love of science and its connection to his experimentation in electronic jazz fusion.