"The qualities which make music education unique is credited its natural requirement of empathy. Empathy allows us, as musicians, to connect with our audiences whether it be a recording or a live performance. For music students, empathy travels beyond just performing. Empathy connects us with the music we perform, it gives life to what we do, and it cultivates the bonds developed between teachers, mentors and their students. From personal experience, I can vouch that the amount of impact that music educators and administrators make on the younger generation is immense - not only as artists, but as people. It can be used as a very powerful tool when it comes to teaching mindset and good values.
 
The ideal learning environment teaches students to appreciate respectfulness, diplomatic communication, camaraderie, team-work and individuality. In its finest moments, music education can encourage a culture of respect, inclusivity and discipline. For this to become a standard in our culture; performing art institutions, organizations, educators and administrators have to start taking responsibility and accountability by practicing examples of these values. In my opinion, this is the moral obligation of an educator, reasoning that the method in which we choose to nurture the minds of our students will have a direct impact on our societies and communities. Due to this, I do believe educators have the responsibility to form awareness and mindfulness while teaching and influencing their students. I am an optimist who hopes that one day these so-called idealistic values will become a reality in the performing arts, and our societal culture. To envision a world with more empathy and respect is to conceive a world with more grace and harmony." 

- Frances Konomi
  Director