Thanks for the Feature W e’re writing to express our sincere gratitude for the feature on Ear Trumpet Labs in the April issue. It’s an honor to have the story of our microphone workshop shared. Since the article was published, we’re excited to share that our newest microphone, Wanda — mentioned in the piece — is now available. Wanda blends the visual elegance of 1940s and 1950s de- signs with the rich, natural sound that artists have come to expect from our mics. We’ve been thrilled to see it finding a home with musi- cians who value both sonic quality and timeless aesthetics. Ear Trumpet Labs Portland, Oregon ‘Proud of the Legacy’ Left Behind A fter 57 years, closing the doors of Cosmo Music has been an emotional journey. Our mission has always been to serve musicians at every stage — whether they were picking up their first instrument or finding the perfect gear for the next big performance. The support we’ve received from our customers, partners and the wider music community has been overwhelm- ing, and we are deeply grateful. Music retail is more than just selling instruments — it’s about fostering passion, creativity, and lifelong connections. We’re incred- ibly proud of the legacy Cosmo Music leaves behind and the role we played in Canada’s music in- dustry. To everyone who walked through our doors, took lessons, attended an event or simply shared their love of music with us — thank you. While this chapter is coming to Philip & Malachi Graham Owners an end, the spirit of Cosmo Music will always live on in the musi-
So, to my colleagues in MI, don’t panic — get more engaged. As you visit music teachers, reas- sure them. If they seem concerned, urge them to continue following their district policies until directed otherwise. Share Morrison’s article. The best advice to give any teacher is for them to continue giving stu- dents their best every single day. Strong programs with robust en- rollment are less likely to face cuts. The more students a program serves, the less likely it is to be affected. Help your teachers with program-building by providing re- cruitment and retention materials. Become a distributor of the free, open-sourced Music Achievement Council recruitment and retention assets. Think about the ways you can promote the music programs in your area. Do you have districts that have been recognized as one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education? If so, arrange to make a formal pre- sentation to the school board at one of their meetings and be sure that all of the music educators are in- vited to participate in that acknowl- edgement. Are there schools which have had students participating in All-State ensembles? Meet with the principal and determine a strategy to acknowledge that program at a school assembly and engage the principal in that presentation. Help teachers write up press releases for their students’ accomplishments and assist in getting them into the local newspaper. Staying informed and engaged isn’t just good citizenship — it’s good business.
cians we’ve supported and the community we’ve built together.
ics and economics. Before the pan- demic, federal funding for public education averaged about 9%. To address the challenges that ensued, that amount rose to 13.7% with state and local governments cover- ing the balance. With those funds now exhausted and cuts looming at the Department of Education, alarm bells are sounding. New York governor Kathy Hochul warns that eliminating the U.S. Department of Education could cost her state $5.5 billion, poten- tially increasing property taxes. Oregon governor Tina Kotek’s proposed budget counts on $1.5 billion in federal support — critical for programs serving low-income and disabled students. Still, Morrison reminds us that while federal policy affects funding and regulation, it doesn’t dictate what is taught in music and arts classrooms.
The Hebert Family Owners Cosmo Music Richmond Hill, Ontario
Stay Informed on Federal Education Funding I n the April issue of In-Tune Monthly (for Teachers), Bob Morrison, CEO of Quadrant Research, wrote in “Federal Di- rectives and You” that “while national policy discussions can cause confusion, it’s important to understand how these federal actions interact with state and local education systems before reacting.” The same applies to MI industry professionals. Indeed, the impact of federal education funding varies widely depending on district demograph-
Marcia Neel Education Advisor Music Achievement Council Las Vegas
EDITOR’S NOTE: MUSIC INC. ENCOURAGES LETTERS AND RESPONSES TO ITS STORIES. EMAIL LETTERS TO EDITOR@MUSICINCMAG.COM.
10 I MUSIC INC. I MAY 2025
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