We build programs based on the curriculum of the school or group.  Appropriate music  (primarily classical) is then chosen to enhance the lesson topics. The inclusion of music makes learning novel and fun, and in some cases music can relate the topic(s) even better than a traditional presentation.To be most effective sessions are weekly and extend over several months, or for whatever period fits the host schedule.

 TYPICAL SESSION WITH  HEAD START STUDENTS:

With the children already comfortably seated on the floor the musicians enter the classroom, seat themselves, and without verbal interaction begin performing the opening classical composition.  This approach helps the students learn to focus as they listen and observe with expectation.  Developing this ability will have a positive implication for the remainder of their academic lives. At the end of the opening piece students and musicians greet one another and review  previous topics (chosen to coordinate with the classroom curriculum) through question and answer discussion. This review allows the musicians to check for comprehension, improvement and  readiness to proceed with new material. The musicians then announce the topic(s) for the day and present relevant musical examples and  analogies chosen to relate to the childrens' lives. The students participate by interacting with the music (singing, clapping...), answering questions and coming forward individually or in small groups to share what they have learned.  This combination of musical and verbal communication  brings the abstract nature of the music into the "everyday" realm of the students.  At the end  of the session, the musicians announce the topic for next week and conclude with a light classical or jazz piece. The students can join in by clapping and dancing, and then return to their classroom activities with buoyant spirits, having had fun learning with music!

During an additional visit that week (this time without instruments) discussion and activities help to review and reinforce the topic(s), and prepare the children for the next musical session.

   These sessions are made possible through a grant from: