The vision for musically educating all children in tax-funded schools dates to the early 19th century, at a time when music was initially inserted into the curriculum of common schools. Is that vision being realized today? Why do all children not have equal access to music education by now, regardless of their locations, as per the democratic vision? What is being done about inequalities in the provision of basic education? In this article, the author discusses her experience with music education in Ohio's public education system, and how there are local ways in which to provide a musical education for every child.