October 11, 2002 — Almost 15,000 people added their names to the online petition beginning June 12, when Justin Timberlake of NSNYC kicked off the effort with a live nationwide television appearance. The petition was a joint effort of the American Music Conference, a nationwide non-profit organization devoted to promoting music making and music education, and the Justin Timberlake Foundation, founded by the singer to advance access to music learning.

Lynn Harless (Justin Timberlake's mother) visited several key House and Senate offices to deliver the petition results personally. "I'm here for every American parent," she said. "No child can reach his or her full potential without a sound music education. I'm proud to support my son Justin in all his endeavors, but I've never been prouder to represent him than I am today."

Studies link musical activity to improvements in a child's reasoning and problem-solving abilities, academic performance and social skills. The petition calls upon Members of Congress to take measures at home and in Washington to help make quality music education available to every American school child.

The mission of The Justin Timberlake Foundation is to promote music education as essential to a child's development. "The Foundation is excited to play a role in encouraging people to become advocates on behalf of this important cause," says executive director Nina Biggar.

The American Music Conference is dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music making, and music education to the general public.