Education Through Music-Colorado

⁠One of the greatest gifts we can give Colorado’s children is an education that sets them on a brilliant path. Our vision is to empower every child in Colorado to reach their highest potential in the classroom and life through music education.⁠

WHO WE ARE

Education Through Music-Colorado (www.etmcolorado.org) is a non-profit organization founded in Denver in 2018. We partner with under-resourced public schools to provide music as a core subject for all children.  Music education is a powerful catalyst to improve self-confidence, motivation, and academic achievement.

We focus our efforts on Title I schools in low-income neighborhoods, where the free and reduced lunch student program population is greater than 82%. And we guarantee that every student, including those with special needs, has access to music education. Currently our resources allow us to serve 2,000 ECE-8 students (88% belong to minority groups). But there are more than 3,000 other children waiting for our program to be implemented in their school.

 

WHY IS MUSIC EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT?

The downsizing of school budgets too often results in the elimination of music programs, despite its proven importance in children's growth. Our thirty years of work and research show that MUSIC: enhances reading, writing, and math skills; boosts social and emotional capacities; develops teamwork, listening, and reflexes; improves academic achievement; increases parental and community engagement; fosters a multicultural environment. 

87% of teachers agree that music increases school engagement. 83% of children say that music classes make them like school more (Source: ETM Los Angeles Impact Study 2021).

A TRUE STORY

Jose is a changed name, but his story is true. He was a very guarded child: one of those who kept to himself in classes and during lunch at school. Unsure of his talent and skills, he had trouble connecting with others and engaging in school. He was tentative about expressing himself but one day music came to his school. He started to sing and dance. First by keeping his eyes closed and then opening them little by little. Jose's music class was a safe space for him to find his voice and happiness. He explored a more vulnerable space and experienced joy and a complete transformation as a student not just in music, but in all areas. Jose's principal relayed this story to our team at ETM-CO and thanked us because Jose is now engaged and happy to be in school.

Watch below the photo story of our ALL TOGETHER NOW FESTIVAL 2023, when more than 100 students came together for an uplifting and powerful performance.