This article is adapted from a speech given by Major Michael J. Colburn executive officer and senior assistant director of the United States Marine Band, to the MENC Summer Leadership Conference July 12-15, 2003 at the MENC national headquarters in Reston, Virginia. In this article, Colburn shares three personal anecdotes that he considers to be compelling music education success stories. They are three examples of the value of a good music education, regardless of an individual's eventual vocation.