WWOZ is concerned about the ongoing state of music education in New Orleans. As David Freedman, our General Manager, puts it in the June 2013 edition of the 'OZone newsletter, "Until all our elementary, middle, and high school students have access to music instruction incorporating the rich vocabulary of New Orleans’ music traditions, and our children have meaningful programs in which to grow productively, we’ll be trading glockenspiels for Glocks, life for death, and a rich piece of our future for a very short-sighted present."

You can find current news about New Orleans music education and read about WWOZ's music education initiatives below. 

What's Going on with Music Education in New Orleans?

We are asking everyone to let us know what's going on with music education in your school, church and neighborhood programs.  Some people have already told us about students not being able to have access to instruments during the summer and the need to support the magic that school band directors bring to their students.  

» Tell us what's going on with music education in New Orleans!

Community Forum on Music Education

WWOZ convened a community forum on music education on June 13, 2013 at the Holy Angels Concert Hall in the Bywater.  Band Directors, music educators, parents and concerned citizens shared their concerns and wisdom.  We look forward to future convenings and to finding out ways that WWOZ can advocate on issues concerning music education in New Orleans.

» Read more about 'OZ's community forum on music education

Cuttin' Class

WWOZ presents Cuttin' Class, a series of live in-studio performances by middle and high school students from the Greater New Orleans area. Each Cuttin' Class presentation gives young NOLA musicians the chance to perform on live radio.

» The latest edition of Cuttin' Class

In Memoriam: Mercedes Tucker Stamps

Mercedes Tucker Stamps, a highly esteemed music educator, who taught for over thirty years at 10 different New Orleans schools and influenced the lives of hundreds of New Orleans musicans, has passed away in North Carolina at the age of 87. A memorial service will be held June 29 at 11 am in Lawless Memorial Chapel at Dillard University.

» Read about the life and contributions of Mercedes Tucker Stamps