A Child’s Song nurtures an appreciation for music while providing programs and education to share the developmental, healing, and social-emotional benefits of music for children and adults. Your donation gives a gift that lasts a lifetime. Thank you for changing lives with music!
"We believe passionately in the power of music to change the lives of all youth, enriching their education, and changing the way they engage with the world. We also believe that all children, regardless of their ability to pay, should have the opportunity for music exploration. The pandemic illuminated the deep divide that exists between arts education opportunities enjoyed by privileged youth (often white youth) versus the almost non-existent opportunities open to their less-financially privileged peers (often youth of color). Privileged youth had access to individual lessons or online instruction during the pandemic; students with fewer resources had almost no programming." - Sandy Taylor, Executive Director and Founder Of A Child's Song
“I have had the pleasure of participating and supporting Kristin’s (ACS instructor) drum circle at Sanctuary for the last 6 weeks and wanted to share what I have noticed. Clients at first were very timid, not engaged, and disinterested. Kristin’s beaming positive attitude and passion for music have become contagious. The clients, even the very shy ones, have become leaders in the drum circle. Kristin creates a drum circle that is also a safe space. Clients have come to the group escalated and in negative head spaces, but in just a few minutes their energy is uplifted. Please expand this program to our other locations! Our kids need this!” - Mary Beth Hietapelto, Shiloh House Independent Living Coach
"My son is 18 and has Down syndrome. His violin teacher is kind and adapts to whatever my son needs. He loves his lessons. They are the best price around and have worked with us regarding payment when things got tight. I appreciate A Child's Song very much." - bekahjoyfu
Jamie,* age 17, was the first one in the room, inspired to share the beats and loops he had created and mixed and excited to expand on them. Not of a song that can be found on the radio…yet. But one of many songs he crafted, armed with skills to shape his future into something more promising, more hopeful.
Just a few weeks ago, Jamie’s attitude was very different at his first group music session: arms crossed, a hoodie and a baseball cap pulled down low covering his face, angry and withdrawn. He cursed and refused to participate. One of his parents had been sent to jail, the other was absent from his life. Forced into adulthood at an early age, Jamie clung to the protective air of detachment and aggression.
He witnessed the other youth in the home reluctantly gather around the drums and play some familiar beats of a popular song. Now, he joins them, immersed in the group, their uncertainty and hesitation no longer rooted in hostility, but in the pride of creating something new and feeling safe in an environment that promoted exploration, collaboration, and respect. A focused determination.
Mary*, age 83, asked who her visitors were, unable to recognize her son or grandkids.
Mary’s family felt sad and helpless as Alzheimer's blurred a lifetime of memories. They searched for a hint of remembrance of the people, places, and experiences she loved. One remnant of Mary’s past persisted.
When Mary sat at a piano, years of playing church hymns in her youth would flow through her fingers to the keys. As she played and sang to the music, her family watched with intense joy. At least for a few moments, Mary could experience her memories and connect with her family in the present.
Mission
A Child’s Song nurtures an appreciation for music while providing programs and education to share the developmental, healing, and social-emotional benefits of music for children and adults.
Background Statement
Charles and Sandy Taylor founded A Child’s Song (ACS) in 1999 in response to their community’s need for excellent musical training combined with evidence-based music programs designed to support youth who learn differently. Sandy’s background in child development and music education coupled with Charles’ work both as a musician and as a nontraditional instrument craftsperson gave this couple a unique perspective on music education. The Taylors’ commitment to family also affected the structure and direction of ACS. As parents of eight adopted children, grandparents of eight children (four adopted), and foster parents of more than 35 children (many with developmental and emotional challenges), the Taylors witnessed first-hand the profound effects of music and movement on brain development and cognitive function.
A Child’s Song nurtures an appreciation for music while providing programs and education to share the developmental, healing, and social-emotional benefits of music for children and adults.
Our Values:
+ Provide a nurturing atmosphere of love, safety, and acceptance in which to appreciate music
+ Provide an opportunity to grow together in a setting that advances and preserves the art of creating music
+ Provide an environment that fosters physical, social, and emotional development
+ Instill positive self-esteem
+ Be an inspiration
+ Be accountable to the community
+ Pursue excellence
Charles and Sandy Taylor founded A Child’s Song (ACS) in 1999 in response to their community’s need for excellent musical training combined with evidence-based music programs designed to support youth who learn differently. Sandy’s background in child development and music education coupled with Charles’ work both as a musician and as a nontraditional instrument craftsperson gave this couple a unique perspective on music education. The Taylors’ commitment to family also affected the structure and direction of ACS. As parents of eight adopted children, grandparents of eight children (four adopted), and foster parents of more than 35 children (many with developmental and emotional challenges), the Taylors witnessed first-hand the profound effects of music and movement on brain development and cognitive function. ACS originated as a for-profit venture, which was converted to a nonprofit in 2003 to foster community involvement and support the long-term goals of the Taylors and the ACS Board of Directors, which included funding assistance so that all children and families, regardless of finances, could benefit from music. Throughout the past 19 years, the nonprofit’s greatest goal has been to respond to community requests for music outreach and instruction, and to pivot and remain flexible enough to provide instruction in some of the most challenging situations, such as foster care and COVID-19 restrictions. ACS provides music classes and innovative therapies through early childhood programs, school/community outreach, and individual/group instrument instruction. Quality, affordable music education is vitally important in preparing children for success and academic achievement as they encounter a world with more challenges and fewer resources.
ACS’s Music Outreach program’s goal is to bring music education and movement opportunities that foster hope and joy to youth in under-served communities, by partnering with a variety of community and public organizations. To do so, ACS partners with: under-funded Title 1 schools (including Meadow, York International, and Welby) in Adams County, Colorado to provide music education during the school day and through after-school programs; Shiloh House facilities in five counties in Colorado that serve foster youth; and one community-led arts alliance for group keyboard/guitar instruction and positive youth development programming for Latinx youth in Northglenn, Colorado. Additional goals of the program include: 1) providing sustained music instruction of 45 minutes to one hour per week to encourage true mastery with the hope that youth will continue music instruction throughout their lifetime; 2) providing instruments for under-resourced youth for use at home to encourage practice and family participation; 3) reducing the impact of trauma and increasing emotional healing through music exploration; and 4) providing needs-based scholarships for students to pursue individual instruction at the ACS Studio if desired.
We believe passionately in the power of music to change the lives of all youth, enriching their education, and changing the way they engage with the world. We also believe that all children, regardless of their ability to pay, should have the opportunity for music exploration. The pandemic illuminated the deep divide that exists between arts education opportunities enjoyed by privileged youth (often white youth) versus the almost non-existent opportunities open to their less-financially privileged peers (often youth of color). Privileged youth had access to individual lessons or online instruction during the pandemic; students with fewer resources had almost no programming.
Organization name
A Child's Song
other names
ACS
2002
Tax id (EIN)
84-1510927
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
12301 Grant, Unit 200Adams County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Douglas County, CO, US
Boulder, CO, US
Arapahoe County, CO, US