Dr. Dave Gerhart, Heather Mansell, and Marcia Neel
Dr. Dave Gerhart, Heather Mansell and Marcia Neel serve as part of the music education team at Yamaha Corporation of America.
Dr. Dave Gerhart
As Assistant Marketing Manager, Education, and lecturer at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU, Long Beach, Dr. Gerhart is a nationally recognized performer, composer, and educator. He holds a D.M.A. in Percussion Performance from USC with an emphasis in Music Education.
Heather Mansell
As Marketing Manager, Education, Ms. Mansell has helped to shape education initiatives company-wide. An alumnus of the University of Toronto with over 17 years in the music industry, Heather was recently named one of the 2020 NAMM Show’s “Smart Women in Music.”
Marcia Neel
A veteran educator and arts supervisor in Las Vegas, Neel is president of Music Education Consultants, Inc. which provides educational services to school districts. In 2016, Marcia was named Yamaha’s Senior Director of Education. She also serves on the PAS Board of Directors.
About the Session
Show Me (How to Get) the Money: A Look at New Federal Funds for Music Education
With the passage of ESSA—the Every Student Succeeds Act—music became part of what is now defined in the law as one of the subjects that provides students with a well-rounded education (ESSA, Title VIII, Section 8002). One of the most significant outcomes is that districts are now able to assess their ability to provide a well-rounded education, including music, for ALL students and address any deficiencies using federal funds. Another plus for music educators is that federal dollars may be used to provide professional development to help support a well-rounded education. In this session, the key to unlocking these resources will be presented as will examples from districts which have accessed these funds successfully.