ImpARTant: A TedTalk about Arts Education by Sarah

ImpARTant: A TedTalk about Arts Education by Sarah - July 2017 Scholarship Essay

Giving a TedTalk is something that I have thought about for a long time. As an avid listener to the podcasts, I wonder what I would speak about if I had the opportunity to give one. For me right now, the topic of choice would be the importance of arts education. I am a Broadway nut, I have been playing the clarinet since I was ten and I am studying to be a teacher. This combination of characteristics, as well as a passion for the topic, makes arts education a perfect topic for me to talk about.
I would start my talk with characteristics about me. I would tell audiences what I have learned from participating in the arts, specifically through music. I would explain how I have played the clarinet in multiple settings (concert band, marching band, orchestra) and what I have gained from it. In addition, I would explain about my love for musical theater, and what I have learned from seeing, listening to, and following Broadway shows. I would start off with my personal experience so audiences would see that I am not talking about a random topic or that I am speaking about a subject that I think that they would like, that I am talking about a topic that is important to me and that I am interested in. This way, my passion can be seen and hopefully transferred into them.
The second part of my talk would explain how arts education is important for all students, not just those who want to be the next famous actor or musician in the symphony. Arts education helps to improve children’s academic and social skills as well as give them skills to be successful in all occupations. Studies have shown that students who study music perform better in math and subjects such as drama and theater improve reading ability, thus enhancing academic skills. In addition, students’ social skills are improved though teaching collaboration, communication, leadership, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Art also enriches characteristics such as creativity, problem solving, and perseverance—all of which is needed when students enter the workforce. I would discuss all these proven benefits to arts education to give audiences a basis of the importance of the topic, why I am taking the time to discuss it with them.
Today, arts education, as well as the arts in general, are in danger. President Trump has plans to cut government spending, which would take away millions of dollars in funding for arts organizations such as the NEA. Standardized tests in school force educators to focus only on subjects that are tested, such as reading and math, and visual and performing arts are fading away. I would discuss how high stakes this issues is as the last segment of my talk. My hopes would be by explaining how something so important is diminishing, people in the audience would feel motivated to do something about it.
All in all, my TedTalk would be centered on the topic of arts education. I would disucss my personal interest in the topic, the importance of arts education, and how it is rapidly diminishing. I hope that audiences would listen to my talk and feel empowered to fight for arts education in our country.