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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Quadir, Student from Special Music School
3:26:02
ยท
104 sec
Quadir, a tenth-grade student from the Special Music School in Manhattan, advocates for increased access to music education and performance opportunities for young musicians in New York City. He shares his personal experiences and the impact of music programs on students' lives, emphasizing the need for more venues, certified arts teachers, and funding for music education.
- Highlights the challenges faced by young musicians, particularly the lack of performance spaces and platforms to showcase their talent
- Describes the transformative effect of the NextGen musician program, which connects students from across the city and uses music as a means of expression and leadership
- Calls on the City Council to invest in music education, including funding for rehearsal and performance spaces, support for music programs, and ensuring every school has certified arts teachers
High School Student
3:26:02
Good morning.
3:26:03
My name is Quadir.
3:26:04
I'm a tenth grader in special music school in Manhattan.
3:26:08
I'm also part of the next gen musician program with Midorian friends, and I'm here today because I believe music education should be a right and not a privilege.
3:26:16
At my school, we're passionate about music, but we don't always have what we need to grow.
3:26:20
One of the biggest challenges we face is not having enough venues or spaces to perform.
3:26:25
There aren't many platforms where young musicians like us can share our work with the community.
3:26:30
Without access to real performance spaces, it's hard to gain experience, build confidence, or feel like our voices are truly being heard.
3:26:37
That's why I'm advocating for increased performance opportunities for musicians.
3:26:41
Many musicians struggle to find platforms to showcase their talent.
3:26:46
By providing more opportunities to perform, we could open real paths to building careers and even change a musician's life.
3:26:53
Joining NextGen has changed the way I think about music.
3:26:57
It's not just something I do, it's how I express what matters to me.
3:27:01
In this program, I connected with students from all over the city.
3:27:04
We talk about the issues we care about, like mental health, safety in our neighborhoods, and access to the arts, and we use music to raise our voices.
3:27:12
We don't all come from the same place, but musics bring us together.
3:27:16
It gives us a space a safe space, a purpose, a way to lead.
3:27:22
We act we're asking the council to invest in music education, not just for students who already have it, but for students like me who are trying to make the most of every opportunity.
3:27:31
That means funding for better access to rehearsal and performance spaces, support for music programs, and making sure every school has certified arts teachers.
3:27:40
Thank you for listening and for believing in what arts can do for students like me across New York City.