When students are introduced to music, whether it’s learning to play the flute, singing in a choir or joining a drumline, the benefits are many and can be life-changing.
Music teacher Emelie Pfaff introduces those notes into young people’s lives.
“There have been so many memorable students and moments along the way, and witnessing the positive impact of students learning music is both inspiring and rewarding,” said Pfaff. She has been teaching music for 18 years and is the director of partnerships for Harmony Project (HP), a nonprofit organization that provides tuition-free music programs for students from low-income families or who reside in under-resourced communities.
In the San Fernando Valley, HP offers after school instruction at San Fernando Senior High School, Sylmar Charter High School and at Vista Middle School in Panorama City, which is starting its first full semester of collaborating with the organization this week. As the new school year begins, HP is now accepting applications for its music programs at all three schools.
At San Fernando Senior High, HP offers a jazz/contemporary a cappella ensemble, and at Sylmar Charter High School students can join a concert choir. Students in both vocal programs will perform in winter and spring concerts, and will have other performances during the school year.
Last year, which was the inaugural year of San Fernando High School’s vocal music program with HP, students received a guest lesson from a Grammy-nominated composer, and at Sylmar Charter, they had a lesson from the president of the Southern California Vocal Association.
At Vista Middle School, HP launched a drumline class this past spring. In addition to participating in their school’s winter and spring concerts, Vista drumline students will also perform as part of a district ensemble and at Vista’s eighth grade culmination at the end of the year.
Music Builds Confidence
For many students, picking up a new instrument or singing in a choir builds their self esteem.
“I love the transformation when a shy, timid student walks into my class or lesson on the first day and by the end of the school year leaves with a newfound sense of confidence,” said Pfaff. “In a group class setting, these same shy and timid students usually end the year with a class full of friends, having developed their social skills, teamwork and strong bonds with their classmates.”
Students can derive improved confidence not only from interacting with peers, but also from the sense of accomplishment they can gain from learning how to play an instrument, explained Pfaff.
“[It] can be incredibly empowering,” she said, noting that their newfound confidence can extend far beyond the music classroom, and improve how a student approaches academics or other challenges they might encounter.
Pfaff also believes music is an ideal antidote to the culture of “instant gratification [that] is a prevalent aspect of modern life.”
“Learning music provides a powerful counterpoint, teaching patience, perseverance and dedication,” she said.
“Music [also] encourages creativity and provides a unique avenue for expressing emotions,” Pfaff continued. “As a teacher, it’s these special moments that highlight the power of music.”
Harmony Project was launched with 36 students in Hollywood in 2001. Today, they operate at 48 sites, including a college, community centers and K-12 schools, and have programs at 44 schools in LA and Orange counties. They served more than 4,100 students during the last school year.
For more information about Harmony Project, go to: www.harmony-project.org.
Editor Diana Martinez contributed to this article