Should Music Education be Mandatory in Public Schools?

I am an elementary music teacher. I feel that my job is to expose the elementary students to a general knowledge of music, so that they can begin to appreciate it at an early age. I am grateful for the fact that it is mandatory on Kentucky elementary schools, for this general exposure to music helps encourage the students to choose a focus on music in middle school and high school.

I am fine with it remaining optional at the middle and high school level in our state. Our county has a wonderful music program in the schools. In addition to mandatory general music in the elementary schools, we also have an elementary strings and elementary band program to help students get started on their instruments as they prepare for middle and high school.