All dedicated music educators share the same DNA, and even share much of the same heart, gut, intuitions, and sets of skills. We share core beliefs, common aspirations, and many similar practices.

Starting a new arts organization brings a jumble of challenges. Leaders of startups find themselves dealing with a crazy-quilt of issues every day, from details like the nutritional content of snacks, to advocacy presentations for parents, and data collection for funders—all in the same afternoon.

The purpose of this document is guidance. These ten fundamental elements described (which are continually being refined) are neither a checklist nor a set of requirements, and they certainly overlap.

The moment you totally commit to something, everything changes.

Here are two scenarios used in recent child development research. A four-year-old child is handed an unfamiliar toy and invited to play with it. The child is delighted to discover it squeaks when squeezed, and keeps trying different things with it,