Music & Arts Amplifies Music Advocacy Efforts, Partners With Music Educator Milt Allen

FREDERICK, MD--(Marketwire - Apr 9, 2012) - Music & Arts, the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer and lesson provider in the country, brings on board Dr. Milt Allen as a music education consultant. A well-known music educator, conductor, speaker and author, Allen will work to reinforce the company's music advocacy initiatives. Together, Allen and Music & Arts will spearhead local and national efforts to keep music a vital element of school curriculums, helping students achieve greater success both in and out of the classroom.

The partnership with Allen follows Music & Arts' recent announcement of an alliance with the Association of Music Parents (AMP). Combined, these efforts solidify the company's dedication to supporting music education and bolstering music performance and involvement in local communities.

"This collaboration with Dr. Allen validates our commitment to keeping music education thriving in our local communities," said Music & Arts president Kenny O'Brien. "We're certain that his experience and passion will help us strengthen our advocacy programs and benefit the many students who take lessons through Music & Arts."

Allen is the visiting associate director of bands and visiting associate professor of music at The Ohio State University, where he conducts the OSU Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate instrumental conducting. In his 26 years in music education, including 17 years in the public school system, Allen has traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom as a guest conductor, speaker, clinician and author. He has taught instrumental music to students at all levels and in all educational environments, and he has collaborated with many composers to commission and record new works for developing and experienced bands.

"I am thrilled to serve as the music education consultant for Music & Arts," said Allen. "It is unprecedented for an instrument retailer of this size to take music education advocacy so seriously and take steps to do something about it -- both for students and their instructors."

Allen holds a Bachelor of Music Education with honors from the University of North Texas; a master's degree in conducting from the University of Missouri-Columbia; a Diploma of Fine Arts in wind ensemble and symphonic band from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and a Doctor of Musical Arts from The Ohio State University.

About Music & Arts
Music & Arts has served students, teachers and families through retail stores and school representatives since 1952. Based in Frederick, Md., the company specializes in sales and rentals of music instruments, instrument repairs and music lessons -- especially for the beginning and student musician. Music & Arts now has more than 100 retail locations across 20 states.