With the debut of the song Not On The Test on NPR’s Morning Edition on January 1, 2007, Tom Chapin’s work with educators and children has been brought into the spotlight. The song, written by Chapin and his collaborator John Forster, takes a satiric stab at the “No Child Left Behind” initiative. The song has spread exponentially throughout the community of educators. The overwhelming reaction has spawned a video of the song, and an accompanying website, www.notonthetest.com, which presents resources and is a call to action. The song and video are available for free download from the website.

“Keep writing and singing. We in the field of education have long waited for someone, other than those in Washington, to have a voice that can accurately represent our children and those of us working so diligently to ‘educate’ them with more than just math and reading. This song gives me a little hope.” D.E.C., Ardmore, PA

“This song should be played for every school administrator, school ‘specialist’ who probably never taught in the first place and all the self-important lawmakers who decided we should have these tests but never set foot in a public school after graduating and haven't a clue about the immense negative impact these tests have on our kids.” E.A.B.

“Teachers everywhere will be making this their mantra! You've struck a lovely chord. THANK YOU--from every teacher in the US.” V.W., Farmington, NM

Tom Chapin has been writing and performing specifically for elementary school children for the past 20 years. His ability to communicate with children and parents, and to convey serious issues in fun and delightful ways is what sets him apart from other performers. His love and respect for children are apparent. When his own children were 8 and 6, he understood how verbal and intelligent they were, and saw a lack of quality music for that age group. He set out to address that void. His music has been embraced by teachers all over North America, and is now also spreading through Ireland, England and Scotland. He has received five Grammy nominations for his children’s recordings, and countless awards from Parents’ Choice and the American Library Association. Tom Chapin has been working with NARAS (the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) on an advocacy panel aimed at establishing music in the schools, both on a political and grass roots level.

Chapin’s longtime involvement with environmental groups has translated to his music, with many environmental songs in his catalog. “This Pretty Planet” was played on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998 to wake the astronauts. His green message is embraced by educators, and is a natural fit in the classroom. Tom can be booked for School Assemblies, with Study Guides and CD’s provided to precede in-school performances. Four themed shows, or a general show, may be requested.

The National Music Council recognized Tom with the prestigious American Eagle Award in 2008 to honor him for his “great contribution to music and music education in our nation.”

Tom Chapin has been sharing his philosophies and insights with educators. He presents Teachers Workshops on the use of music in the elementary school classroom. Illustrating with live performance, he shows how songs not only convey information and support curriculum, but can be a springboard to discussion and thinking outside the box. Tom believes in the power of a song, and a teachers’ role in introducing that to children. Music reaches people on a different level than any other form of communication, and when presented with humor, can have a tremendous impact.

A charismatic and motivational speaker, Tom has also been invited to address Educational Conferences. He speaks of the current restrictions of teaching to the test, and the impact on teachers and students, and ultimately society. He relates his own early musical experiences, and the impact they have had on his own life. His presentation at the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Convention in April 2008 brought delegates to their feet.