By Michelle New | Development Coordinator
“Music class has given my girls an opportunity to be leaders. They share experiences, offer help and support to classmates, and at the same time ask for help when needed.” - Ana, Mother
Music education fosters students' teamwork, responsibility, and leadership skills (Clausius Scientific Press, 2024). Yet, marginalized school communities provide less access to music and face greater barriers to increasing music instruction (CreateCA, 2022). Every child deserves the right to music in school as part of a well-rounded education. Because of your support, students like Anabel and Isabel receive access to life-changing music instruction in school.
To ensure our music instruction remains top-notch, ETM-LA dedicates over 100 hours of comprehensive professional development for music educators, interns, and school leaders every year. Our January 2025 Winter Academy came at a time when ETM-LA Music Teachers, Interns, and Program staff members found themselves navigating natural disasters during the recent wildfires in LA County. We quickly transitioned to a virtual setting. One music educator shared that they loved seeing “the power of our community and the support you feel through hard times.” Another teacher mentioned, “I appreciated the time taken to address the gravity of the situation because I was feeling scared and nervous, and it helped me out a lot.”
Our hearts are with those impacted by the fires across Los Angeles, and to our school communities and families. ETM-LA continues to monitor ongoing developments across Los Angeles County and compile safety, recovery, and mental health resources to support those who have been affected.
During the virtual Winter Academy, educators explored meaningful activities, helpful resources, and new concepts to support ideation for their music classrooms and experience modern and culturally responsive methods for teaching music. Training sessions included Orff Music & Play, Storybooks with Music Tech & Instruments, Ukulele for Beginners, Boomwhacker Fun Music Activity, Positive Reinforcement and Expectations, Hip-Hop in the Primary Years, and more.
Reflecting on their key takeaways, one participant shared: “We have online resources at our disposal and should use them to help us with our units! We can make the most basic concepts into a song or game.” An ensemble teacher shared how they discovered “new ways to connect with the school community and more insight on how to run ensemble rehearsals.”
Professional development and training allows our music teachers and interns to provide weekly high-quality, sequential music education to 41 schools & 18,000 children across LA County this year. In turn, students grow into confident leaders through music education.
Thank you for your support of our mission to ensure that every child has equitable access to high-quality music education in under-resourced schools across Los Angeles County. We could not do this vital work without you!
By Katie Moskovciak | Development & PR Manager
By Katie Boone | Communications Associate
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