Education United States Project #37823

Give In-School Music Classes to Los Angeles Youth

by Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA, Inc.)

Give In-School Music Classes to Los Angeles Youth

Project Report | Mar 17, 2020
ETM-LA Invites Parents to Observe Music Education in Action

By Katie Boone | Communications Associate

Rosa and daughter Ana

Earlier this year, Education Through Music-Los Angeles launched “Bagels with the Band” and “Sweets with Strings” at over 10 partner schools across LA County, where parents enjoyed seeing their children perform onstage – many of them for the first time – in a fun, informal concert setting.

At Rio Vista Elementary, beginner band students proudly showed off their new instruments with group and duo performances. ETM-LA Music Teacher Dominick Mustacato shared, “Multiple students asked to perform duets with their friends. . . they had been practicing these duets at home outside of the classroom. They were inspired to search for different pieces of music that they felt were really engaging, challenge, and fun to play!”

Mr. Mustacato led the students in their performances and went through each instrument family in the ensemble, explaining the instruments in detail including their parts and what accessories they require (reeds, etc). He also gave parents advice on what to look out for while students practice at home such as proper posture, technique, and other useful tips.

Rio Vista parent Elizabeth, whose daughter plays drums/percussion, commented that “[My daughter] has been talking about being in band… she loves it. I think she’s grown from it and she loves being a part of it. Watching her right now, I was really impressed.” She continued by stressing the importance of arts education: “It’s the most important thing, music and art. It has soul and expression. It’s important to being a human being. It fills your whole body; it’s good for the brain.”

For fellow Rio Vista parent Natalie, who played recorder in her school days, having music education in school is crucial. “We’re so grateful that we have it. It’s amazingly cool that they have access to music and to instruments, too. Not just in school but they’re able to take it home and practice, and that makes it special.”

As our community deals with the effects of COVID-19, we are continuing to support our schools by sending home music activities and worksheets, as well as providing virtual music lesson and wellness videos.

In our 14^th year of programming, your support will help ETM-LA continue closing the gap for low-income area schools that remain deprived of in-school, yearlong music and arts programs. We are standing alongside our schools through this difficult time, and we are more resolved than ever in our mission to support those who would otherwise not have quality access to education; nor the safety net in times such as these.

Rosa, whose daughter Ana is a beginner violin student at Norwood Street Elementary (pictured), confided: "Ana loves performing. It’s so important for her structure and growth. It truly helps my child be disciplined at school and with tests. She is thankful for the opportunity to have this program in school as they would not otherwise have this privilege."

Thank you to those who have generously given to help provide important music education services to disadvantaged schools, and to students like Ana!

Hoping everyone stays safe and healthy during this time.

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Dec 18, 2019
Jerry Feels Empowered Through Music

By Katie Boone | Communications Associate

ETM-LA Student Jerry

It’s that time of year when everyone at ETM-LA reflects upon the amazing accomplishments of over 15,000 students and our dedicated team of educators, staff, volunteers, parents – and YOU!

Thank you so much for coming alongside our mission and helping students like Hooper Avenue Elementary School 5^rd Grader Jerry, who shares: “Music class changed my life. Singing and performing makes me feel good and I get to be me. Every time I perform in school, my friends see how happy I am and they want to join music class too.”

Jerry’s mother, Katy, says that since Jerry was in kindergarten, he was “connected to music…music is his calling.” She explains that Jerry has been nervous throughout his childhood, but music has helped him gain confidence and become more outgoing. “Having music in school keeps Jerry busy and he forgets how stressful school can be. During his early school years he was bullied by students, but singing will always help him get through the bad days.” Music class has also helped Jerry academically; he is able to focus while doing homework by “humming songs that he previously practiced in class” and even earned the Principal’s Honor Roll this year!

Through Jerry’s involvement in ETM-LA’s music program at Hooper Avenue Elementary, he has been able to perform at the Los Angeles Sparks’ halftime show at the Staples Center and at ETM-LA’s 14^th Annual Benefit Gala at the Beverly Wilshire.

In our 14^th year of programming, your support will help us continue closing the gap for low-income area schools that remain deprived of yearlong music and arts programs. With your help, we look forward to increasing our impact by expanding quality, sequential music education to 42 schools and 17,500 children across six Los Angeles County districts, as well as continue to offer over 100 hours of top-grade training for music educators and over 420 hours of guidance for schools across Los Angeles County in our commitment to building long-term sustainable music programs.

Katy believes, “Music is the best thing that could ever happen to a child...it helps them express themselves.”

Thank you to those who have generously given to help provide important music education services to disadvantaged schools, and to students like Jerry.

Jerry (left) sings at ETM-LA's 14th Gala

Links:

ETM-LA Website

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Oct 8, 2019
ETM-LA Student Eduardo Makes History Through the Gift of Music

By Katie Boone | Communications Associate

ETM-LA Student Eduardo

Eduardo, who attends ETM-LA partner school McKinley Elementary in Compton, is the first student in the Compton Unified School District to be nominated and accepted into the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program through VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts).

Through music class, Eduardo has discovered his talent and true passion; his goal is to be a musician when he grows up. “I like music class because I get to get together with my friends and play music,” he expressed. Eduardo’s music teacher, ETM-LA’s Naju Kim, noted, “Having worked with Eduardo for the past few years, he has shown a clear interest in guitar and music. He would always come to band rehearsal playing the new song he was learning that week, some being pretty technically impressive.”

Eduardo shared that his teachers encouraged him to try out for the GATE program and “give [himself] an opportunity.” Mr. Kim explained, “I worked with him individually to prepare two pieces for him to perform on electric guitar. With his dedication and love of the instrument, he was able to pass the final audition with flying colors and I am super proud of him.”

Learning music has had a huge impact on Eduardo’s life, both academically and personally. It has helped him communicate with others, and furthermore, Eduardo confides that, “Music class has changed my life.”

Education Through Music-Los Angeles is in its 14^th year of programming, and your support will go a long way toward helping us expand our reach to bring the gift of in-school music education to more underserved students across Los Angeles County. In 2019-2020, we are planning to serve quality sequential music education to 42 schools and 17,500 children across six Los Angeles County districts. Your contribution will also help us offer over 100 hours of top-notch training for music educators and over 420 combined hours of guidance for schools across Los Angeles in our commitment to helping every school create a long-term sustainable music program.

In the words of Eduardo, “Every student deserves a chance to learn an instrument.”

Thank you to those who have generously given to help provide important music education services to disadvantaged schools, and to students like Eduardo.

Rickey Minor Visits McKinley Elementary

Links:

ETM-LA Website

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