By Geraldine Inoa | Development Associate
For many students at our first-year partner schools, this past school year was full of firsts. It was the first time that music class was a constant presence in their school life. It was the first time they performed on a stage for family and friends. It was the first time that through music education they achieved a positive attitude toward school, higher self-esteem and self-confidence, and a greater sense of creativity. Because of your support, students who had never before had a music program at their school received quality music instruction every week for an entire school year, enriching their learning experience and enlivening their school routine. Your generosity for our partner school students has turned school into a place where dramatic transformations are not only possible, but are seen among their peers, where success is attainable for any child who reaches for it, and where music class is means to a brighter future.
At first-year partner school, P.S. 369 in the Bronx, ETM music teacher—Ms. Summa— noticed that one third-grade student in particular exhibited a significant shift in attitude and behavior since music class began. Nicole had a reputation for being a troubled student who was uninterested in learning and sought attention in class by acting out. But her misbehavior was masking her frustration with school and a lack of confidence in herself. As the year progressed, Ms. Summa observed Nicole steadily develop into a model student through music class. First, Nicole learned how to read music much more easily and quickly than her classmates, helping her improve her academic performance in other classes as well. At home, Nicole practiced on her recorder every day after school, which translated to a deeper grasp of lessons in music class. She was able to play any rhythm that was given to her, which gave her a reason to believe in herself. Nicole had a natural gift for music that no one had discovered before. Tapping into her natural musical abilities led her to excel in unprecedented ways. She no longer felt the need to act out, because she was receiving attention in music class. Ms. Summa rewarded Nicole with a solo on a metallophone in the spring concert. Her increased self-confidence and self-esteem was on full display as she struck her metallophone proudly. Playing instruments and being entrusted with additional responsibility gave Nicole a reason to leave behind her misbehavior and head in a new direction. With music education in her life, Nicole is on track to a successful and productive future. Ms. Summa can’t wait to have her in her class next year and build upon her musical skills and knowledge.
Nicole is just one of the thousands of students that benefited from your gracious support this year. First-year partnerships are at the heart of our partner school program; they illustrate the immediate beneficial effects music can have on students and over time, demonstrate how comprehensive, skills-based music instruction can make a measurable impact on students’ academic and personal growth. Thank you for helping us bring music education into the lives of thousands of deserving children this year. Show your support for ETM by sharing this report with a family member or a friend; let them how far their generosity can go, too!
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