Music Center and Arts Education

Kudos for your support of developing innovative arts programs in Los Angeles schools and using contractors to help teach arts education (“Arts Education Is No Luxury,” editorial, Jan. 2).

For nearly 20 years, the Music Center Education Division has provided such a forum. About 120,000 arts education programs have been provided to 12 million children who live in underserved, less-advantaged areas. In fact, each day as many as 60 Education Division-sponsored events are held throughout Los Angeles area, tapping some of the Southland’s best talent--independent musicians, artists and performers.

The division also has been instrumental in developing some of the nation’s most innovative teaching programs, such as “Artsource, the Music Center Study Guide to the Performing Arts,” which unites teachers with information on how to incorporate dance, theater and music from diverse cultures into classroom curriculum.

Recent studies suggest that innovative arts programs stimulate brain development. We couldn’t agree more. Just take one look at the millions of children who have been allowed to stretch their imagination through involvement in the arts.

CAROLINE L. AHMANSON

Co-chairman, Education Council

Music Center of L.A. County