I've recently come across a story about music teacher Kay Lyons in Nebraska, who uses music to bring about social change.

She teaches vocal music at Grand Island's Walnut Middle School - and as any teacher knows, those are some of the hardest, and most formative years of a child's life. Kay teaches her students more than just scales and pitch, she believes that, "Music touches people's spirit, and it feeds their soul. I can't imagine education without music because it is what gives humanity a voice." And in giving her students a voice she encourages them to better themselves and the world around them. "Music is something kids buy into," she said. "First, it's the beat, then the speed or tempo. But sometime you have to stop them and ask them, ’What does this really mean to you?'" Opening their minds and then hearts, Kay is impacting not just her students, but an entire school, transforming it into a more positive environment where everyone can shine. It is inspiration I think we all can take a lesson from. (The original article is here.)