Our History
Music and the Brain Testimonials
Principals
“I am writing on behalf of the outstanding work of Music and the Brain. I would especially like to thank you for the outstanding Professional Development that you provided to our music teacher on the methodology of teaching our students how to play the piano…..It is a rigorous hands-on program that motivates our children to read, write, think and problem solve. Our students have been excited about the program as well and continue to be motivated…..Our children did an outstanding musical performance of what they learned in the program.”- Norma Genao, Principal PS 185 in Harlem
“There is not a single tour that I do with visitors without going to by the music room. All are interested in getting the program for their students. I want to thank you for the opportunity of working with you and allowing my teachers to grow and learn through your training. I look forward to continuing our partnership with this great program”
- Mary Kojes, Principal PS 122 in Queens
“At PS 132, we have seen the connection between music instruction in early childhood students and academic achievement. Our students’ improvement in their literacy and mathematics skills are a true indication of how early music instruction can benefit our early childhood students. Music and the Brain is a program for all learners.”
- Beth Lubeck-Ceffalia, Principal PS 132 in Brooklyn
“PS/IS 66 is so grateful for our partnership with Music and the Brain. This program has taught the children ear training, a skill that transfers to their classrooms and better enables them to focus and stay on task during class discussions. As a result of Music and the Brain, we have expanded our piano program to provide additional piano instruction to highly motivated and talented students.”
- Joel Rubenfeld, Principal PS/IS 66 in Brooklyn
“Music and the Brain has been a wonderful addition to our school’s Arts Program. At first, our teachers were concerned that our little ones would not be able to follow the program, but our children have proved that this program supports their learning in an age-appropriate manner. We have watched our children move from Kindergarten, through First grade, and this year to Second grade building their knowledge about music and their skills with the keyboard. They are not only delightful to watch, but their ability to focus and manipulate information has developed very well, to a large extent as a result of this program.”
- Mary Dono, Principal PS 92 in Queens
“At a time when many of my colleagues feel pressure to only have instruction in Literacy and Mathematics, I welcome your organization. It certainly proves that students learn more about Literacy and Mathematics through the Arts.”
- Karen Melendez-Hutt, Principal PS 30 in Manhattan
Teachers
“The program provides a jump-start to basic foundations of all types of learning. Kids learn patterns and relationships (up/down, left/right, line/space, doubling/halving, etc) that help them to understand basic concepts used in reading, writing, math and other areas.”- Robin Casey, music teacher Midtown West Elementary in Manhattan
“Please accept this as my sincere expression of appreciation for Music and the Brain…it has made my job much easier as a teacher and I can say that some of my students are eagerly anticipating further work in Book Two during the next school year.”
- Charles S. Brown, music teacher PS 48 in Manhattan
“It has been, indeed, a personal pleasure to introduce the Music and the Brain Program to my kindergarten, first grade and second grade students. There is, in no small measure, an element of true nobility in both the construction and execution of this program…The introduction of keyboard skills at this formative age provides a myriad of positive ramifications to wit; focus, dedication, stamina, confidence, accomplishment, attention grabbing, curiosity, a positive risk to reward ratio, are all the result of the inclusion of this program in my curriculum.”
- Robert Stern, Music Director of The Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in Oyster Bay, NY
“My students have thoroughly enjoyed MATB. At each class meeting they are excited about learning a new song and equally excited about returning to an “old song” to practice it or perform it for the class. The teacher’s manual itself has more than enough material and ideas for a successful experience with MATB. Teachers are amazed at how their students are reading the notation when they are at the keyboard.”
- Maria Schwab, Music teacher PS 84 in Queens
“Although I have enjoyed working with Kodaly and Orff pedagogies and methodologies, Music and the Brain offers important elements that other approaches do not, namely an immediate opportunity to apply a new concept or skill on a keyboard in the privacy of ones’ own “space.” A student can try out a song or an exercise by herself on her own keyboard with no one else hearing or judging or distracting from the task at hand.”
- Jura Litchfield, music teacher Hunter College Elementary School
“The program gives the children of PS 78 an opportunity to explore music and creativity, I believe it is having a positive effect on many of the students’ studies outside of music class and creates an excitement about being in school that might not otherwise be.”
- Gerry Gianutos, music teacher PS 78 in Long Island City
“The children retain the music knowledge and skills from one year to the next. I have actually had first graders teach rhythms to seventh graders who never had any previous music education. The older students were motivated to try harder when the first graders told them how ‘easy’ it is to learn.”
- Lucie Evans, music teacher PS 164 in Queens
“Many of my students have never had piano instruction, yet their interest is astounding…even students with discipline issues show a keen interest in learning how to play…What I like about the approach is that the students first analyze the music away from the keyboard. They also transfer their skills to other areas and they learn to make association with other subjects such as when they locate a song’s place of origin on the map, or then they learn the lyrics to a song written in a language other than their own…the enthusiasm the children have for music ha also transferred to their parents; many parents are coming to me for advice on what piano they should get their child.”
- Fatima Rodriguez, music teacher PS 384 in Brooklyn
“By the time students reach the 3rd grade (having experienced MATB), they are much better musicians, (they know) notation, analysis, and (have) an overall respect for the language and study of music.”
- Francesca DiGiovanna, music teacher PS 58 in Queens
“(It is) particularly interesting to see children with no English language base surpass their English speaking peers…a way of expression for non-english speakers.”
- Edel Boland, music teacher PS 71 in Ridgewood, Queens
Parents
"I recently attended the first piano recital at Paddock Elementary
School in Palatine, Illinois, culminating the students' first year of
the Music and the Brain program with their teacher, Mrs. Melanie
Madsen. I wanted to say thank you, on behalf of my second grader, our
family and for all the kids at our school, for this amazing
opportunity. Parents and kids talked about the recitals all week -
before and after each classroom's recital, and we were just thrilled
with the recital and the program. The children were so proud of their
accomplishments and the parents were excited to listen to what our
children have been learning and practicing. We watched as each child
said his or her name, the name of the piece they were about to play,
we listened to the actual solo....and then we saw huge beaming smiles
of pride as each child finished playing for his or her audience
(especially the kids who struggled). The smiles were priceless (as
were the smiles, and a few tears, on the parents' faces, too).
Our school district is suffering through this tough economic climate,
as are schools all around the country, with threats of cutbacks,
layoffs, elimination of arts education or "special" programs.
And yet
Paddock is so lucky. We have a phenomenal music teacher (hi Mrs.
Madsen....we're so thankful for you!) and a building staff that
supports arts education. I hope every parent realizes how lucky we
are for your support.
I especially wanted to say thank you on behalf of the children who had
their first (and possibly only) music education and opportunity to
play an instrument through Paddock School. I overheard one parent
talking about how her child really doesn't shine in the classroom and
yet the child really loved playing the piano. What an amazing way to
reach one child - I can only imagine the impact this program will have
on our kids, thanks to your generous support.
Thank you for this generous gift to our children."
-Parent, Paddock Elementary, Chicago (2010)
"I want to thank you for making the Music and the Brain program possible at Stuart R. Paddock school in Palatine, Illinois. Last week, my son (grade 3) and daughter (grade 1) performed a short recital for the parents. It was wonderful. I feel very lucky to have the keyboard and the program at Paddock school. What you are doing is a great thing and I hope you know how much parents like me appreciate what you do.
Many thanks again,
-Parent, Paddock Elementary, Chicago (2010)
Students
“1. I love music because2. it makes me smart
3. it makes me sing
4. it makes me brave
5. it makes me strong
6. it makes me fokis
7. it makes me be on the piano
8. it makes me happy
9. it makes me excited
10. it makes me dance”
- Trevor Jackson, 2nd grader, PS 30 in East Harlem
