This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My piano students come from a wide range of backgrounds; we have piano majors, those who have never had a music class before and everyone in-between. We learn piano together in high-energy classes of twenty and experience collaborative learning and music-making at the piano. In our beginning classes, we learn essential piano technique, music notation and exciting repertoire. Our intermediate students hone their skills and get out of their comfort zone as they become fluent music readers and collaborative performers. I prepare our advanced students for further piano study in high school through a number of solo and ensemble performances and contest opportunities designed to bring out the musicality in each student.
This year, we welcomed one of our largest classes of incoming piano majors!
Their enthusiasm and potential are infusing our department with excitement for the school year. Some of our piano majors are so excited to be here that they give me a "thumbs up" several times during classes! All of my students have expressed a deep love for piano and a desire to learn how to play. I'm so lucky to be able to work with them all this year!
My Project
The switch to virtual learning this semester has created a number of obstacles that have required both teachers and students to come up with some creative solutions, especially in music instruction. However, one of the biggest obstacles we still face is providing students with instruments so they will be able to participate in music classes from home.
These digital keyboards will be checked out to students so they can practice and participate in piano classes at home during virtual learning.
Participation during class and consistent practice outside of class is essential to success in piano, so providing students with an instrument is a top priority as we begin this school year.
Piano study teaches students essential learning skills, such as pattern recognition, hand-eye coordination, small motor skills, critical thinking, logic, historical context, mathematics and proportions, self-study strategies, delayed gratification and intrinsic motivation. It is so important that all students are able to access piano instruction and practice, regardless of their ability to obtain an instrument. Will you help our students learn all of these skills by providing them with a keyboard?
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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. Stackhouse and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
