By Geraldine Inoa | Development Associate
Happy Thanksgiving from ETM! We are so grateful for your support of our partner school students. Because of inspiring donors like you, nearly 27,000 inner-city children across all five boroughs in New York City are immersed in weekly in-school music classes—many for the first time ever! Your support helped us launch 48 new partnerships this fall. Your commitment to music education is creating nurturing environments that use music to shape young minds, as children develop the cognitive skills and emotional intelligence crucial for reaching their full potential.
Receiving music as a core subject increases students’ higher-level thinking skills and helps them reach new heights in their social and emotional development. It’s a life-changing impact you can witness in our partner school students.
Students like Amir, a PreK student in the Bronx, who—for the first time in his school life—is experiencing the world through music. As an English Language Learner, language often acts as a barrier for Amir at school—inhibiting his ability to connect with his classmates and teachers. His ETM music teacher shared that Amir usually seems sad and withdrawn because of his inability to fully express himself in English. However, one day, Amir silently walked over to her and started to play a drum. She joined him and starting playing another drum. “His face was full of excitement,” she explained, “and you could tell he was finally happy! We communicated through high-fives and smiles while he continued to have a great time playing his drum.” In that moment, music served as a universal language that sparked a true connection between Amir and his music teacher. She notes that from that day on, Amir has participated in every activity in music class with a huge smile across his face. She remarked, “I might not be able to understand his native language, but I am able to see that music has made a true impact on his life—one that needs no language to explain.”
Now Amir displays more confidence in himself and walks around with his head held up high. He’s more independent and is making huge leaps in achieving proficiency in English. Just seeing that music class is on the schedule for the day excites Amir, who is overcoming his language hurdles one drum beat at a time. Music is driving him towards a future where he will be able to fully articulate his feelings and thrive in any setting.
Stories like Amir’s can only happen because supporters like you make generous investments in their lives. Sponsoring a child’s music education has a tremendous and measurable impact—especially if the child has never before experienced music as a constant part of their school routine. Suddenly, doors open and brighter futures are on the horizon. Music class acts as a catalyst for students’ improved academic achievement, motivation for school, and self-confidence. Even more, it fills children with a joy and happiness that transcends all barriers. Our students thank you for your belief in them!
Share this report with your family and friends and let them know how they can make a difference in the lives of children like Amir—an impact that will last long after the holiday.
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