Help me give my students the opportunity to express their creative and critical thinking skills through learning how to play piano and work on personal composition skills and techniques.
If I had to choose one word to describe my students it would be: Determined. Majority of my students come from single parent households or fall just above the poverty line, yet they are determined to make a name for themselves; for some of them, to be the first in their family. They are used to the obstacles thrown their way and they are resilient in their approach to conquering those obstacles. One particular student of mine would walk 15 miles to school for performances. He did not have a car available to him, but he refused to let that determine his ability to participate.
Challenge is their middle name, Success their victory banner.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding them, my students bring the very best of themselves to the table each and every day. Half of our school population is African American, a little over 27% Caucasian, 19% Hispanic, and then we are blessed with the occasional international, exchange student. Over 80% of our student population is on free or reduced lunch. These percentages do not define them or their ability and desire to be whoever they Determine to be!
My Project
My project will use beginner piano lessons to enhance literacy and math skills, leading to creative composition within my classroom. Students will be assigned a keyboard and taught the basics of music theory. They will learn and apply their knowledge of music notation to the instrument. Science studies have shown that music can alter moods, relieve stress, ignite core memories-to name a few-but the actual making of music engages the brain in such a way to develop critical thinking skills and spatial reasoning.
Music when taught as a language and a science changes our way of approaching people, problems, and in short our world.
Music notation requires that we multiply and divide the required length of a sound while creating that sound through our instrument of choice (voice included). This initiative aims to equip students with the confidence to explore the endless possibilities of music through reading and writing music. Exploring rhythmic sequences through composition encourages creativity and calculated risk taking skills.
Above all else, I am hoping this project with inspire more young women to pursue musical composition or conducting. Some of the greatest conductors gracing this earth are women, and I would like to see that trend continue. IF/THEN is a collective effort of resources seeking to increase access to women in STEM. And I hope this project and initiative will challenge them to consider STEAM as well. This project will ensure that students are confident in literacy and math and music, and perhaps it will lead to the discovery and development of a great female composer/conductor.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Collins and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
