What I remember about music class in 4th grade is discovering the wide range of sounds that were possible with different instruments. It was miraculous to me that just the way I held a small bell tightly or loosely would produce such different noises. I would have played with that bell all day if it had not been for our music teacher, Mrs. Kiker, who kept us on task with her quick baton and sharp commands.
Music class may seem like a nice to have, something to fill the gap between math and English classes. But in fact, early exposure to music has tangible benefits. Scientist Nina Kraus found that musical training improves nervous system function and auditory processing, which also improves language and cognitive skills.
Unfortunately, not every child in Nevada County has access to music education. This is not uncommon in rural areas. A 2019 study from The Arts Education Data Project (AEDP) found that 8% of students in the United States lack access to music education during the school day, mostly in major urban or very rural areas.
For years, Nevada County schools were able to take advantage of Music for Young Minds, a program from Music in the Mountains (MIM) that, at its height, brought music to more than 1,000 students in 50 K-5 school classrooms each week, engaging children through listening, singing, movement, and exploring other cultures through their music. It exposes the youth of Nevada County to music they don’t hear on a daily basis.
When the California Arts Council’s funding for this program was cut, MIM was still able to offer the program to local schools, but without the grant money to cover the cost. Several schools realized the importance of this program and were able to find the money in their budget to keep the program alive. However, due to recent budget cuts, most of those schools who were able to find the money no longer can, and currently the Music for Young Minds Program is being presented to just six classrooms at one Nevada County school.
At least one other school has found a way to bring the music back. “The Alta Sierra Parent Teacher Club (PTC) wanted to prioritize more music and art in schools,” said Erin Beatie, PTC President at Alta Sierra Elementary School. “There is so much that you can learn through music that helps you with other core topics, especially math, which a lot of kids struggle with,” she added.
Shannon Devir, Director of Music Education and Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra noted: “In addition to all the assumed benefits of learning music, such as cognitive and emotional development, our curriculum uses music as a medium to foster self regulation, self awareness, and problem solving.”
The PTC raised $8,000 to host the program in eight classrooms at Alta Sierra School because they felt the benefits of a musical program were too important to lose. “Playing music is like a sport, when you are all working together and it works,” said Beatie. “Every team player has to do their part or you can’t recognize the song. You become part of something that’s bigger than you.”
For students who aren’t able to access music education at school, or who wish to learn an instrument or even be part of an orchestra, MIM continues to offer after school orchestra and beginning orchestra classes through its Music in the Mountains Youth Orchestra (MIMYO) and Step Up programs.
This year MIM will add a Suzuki Strings class for those who would like to learn how to play a string instrument, and maybe even improve their academic performance, a phenomenon Kasandra Klassy has observed firsthand. “The Suzuki method mirrors a child’s language learning process, emphasizing daily listening and music memorization,” said MIM instructor Kasandra Klassy, a certified Suzuki teacher who studied with Dr. Suzuki in Japan. “My students not only develop their musical skills, but also enhance cognitive abilities, discipline, and creativity. My violin students consistently excel academically.”
Technology and other factors continue to influence how children learn at school, but experiencing the resonance of a bell or a string instrument, up close enough to feel the vibration, will never lose its magic. For more information about music education classes, visit www.musicinthemountains.org/education.