Finding Ways to Support Music and Education During Challenging Times

In reflecting on these uncertain times, one can’t help but consider the role of music and art in nurturing a sense of unity and hope. Many educators, artists, and institutions will face intense challenges as cultural budgets are slashed and resources become harder to secure. For the past few days, these questions have lingered in my mind: How can I support the musical community in meaningful ways? and What can I offer to make even a small difference?

After countless hours of thought, I began to see two clear directions emerging. First, there’s the immediate need to provide accessible support to fellow musicians and teachers, especially those who bring the gift of music to students every day. As a modest but sincere gesture, I’ve decided to offer a 20% discount on all my compositions. I hope this will allow educators to bring new repertoire to their ensembles without stretching their budgets. Admittedly, it may seem like a desperate measure, but it’s one that comes from the heart—a step toward helping maintain the vibrancy of music education.

On the other hand, there’s a longer-term vision that has been taking shape: assembling a fund, with the help of independent patrons, to commission new works and sustain artistic endeavors. This fund is a collaboration of people who share a belief in the transformative power of music and want to directly support our choral and educational communities. Just recently, I announced a $5,000 donation in this article “Would You Like to Receive a $5,000 Donation (…) ?” , hoping to spark other initiatives that bridge artists and supporters. There’s potential here to build enduring partnerships between universities and patrons, with a goal of directing meaningful support to institutions committed to nurturing future musicians.

Each initiative, no matter how small, is a piece of a broader puzzle in supporting a future filled with music and cultural appreciation. Step by step, my hope is that these efforts—and those yet to come—help educators, artists, and students in ways that are authentic and impactful.

If you’re a part of this musical journey, please know that your role is invaluable. And if you have any thoughts or ideas on how we can strengthen these initiatives, I’d be grateful to hear them. Together, we can continue to foster an environment where music and education thrive, even in the most challenging times.

Santiago Veros
www.santiagoveros.site

BTW: To support those working tirelessly to inspire and educate, all compositions are currently available with a 20% reduction. Simply use the code EDUCATIONFIRST20 in the “code” box at checkout.