I am profoundly disappointed by the recent decision announced by the superintendent of Kingston City Schools to reduce music lessons in our elementary schools. As a proud alumnus of Kingston’s outstanding music program, I can attest to the impact music has on an individual’s education and life. While I acknowledge and support the need to strengthen our children’s reading and math skills, this should not come at the expense of music education when extensive research consistently shows that music enhances academic achievement. This has been reported for decades, which raises the question: To strengthen academics, why would Kingston cut back on a proven educational tool that helps accomplish that very goal?

The music opportunities Kingston City Schools offers our children are essential to their academic and personal growth. Music education teaches essential life skills, including discipline, time management, attention to detail, comfort with constructive feedback, self-expression, and teamwork. The decision to reduce music lessons for our children is shortsighted and will lead to long-term consequences. The new plan Kingston City Schools is adopting is one lesson in a six-day cycle, which essentially amounts to one lesson every 10 days. This is simply not enough, as students need consistent exposure to music to foster passion, support growth, and stay motivated.

Diminishing lesson time will hinder student engagement and achievement, making it harder to inspire children to continue with music.

The importance of music education extends beyond academic success and life skills; it also plays a vital role in supporting mental health. Having struggled with depression throughout my life, I know firsthand how music can be a lifeline – participating in the music program helped me persevere through challenging times during my school years. Today, with many children experiencing heightened anxiety, it is perplexing to consider reducing programs that have historically benefited countless band/choir/theater kids.

Participating in the Kingston music program, from elementary school through high school, profoundly shaped my life. My work ethic stems entirely from my musical training, paving the way for my success as a professional musician, piano instructor, and later through law school and a legal career. Future generations should be allowed the same opportunity to develop strong life skills through music. While supporting reading and math skills is crucial, it should not come at the expense of music education – it is too valuable. Protecting Kingston's celebrated music programs is an obvious and necessary choice, and this begins with our elementary schools, where the foundation is laid. I urge Kingston City Schools to reconsider this detrimental decision.

The writer is president of the Kingston Common Council.