There has been an increase in interest among the students who realize the better instruments (Kirk violins) help them sound better more easily which results in even more motivation…the quality of sound from the select group of students using the grant violins has substantially improved with the higher quality violins.
Mr. Philip Payton (Newark, NJ Gray Charter School)
”Our students have grown over the course of the year to be more attentive, focused, and self-regulatory. I expect that these qualities carry over into their other pursuits. We have also watched friendships and peer mentorship relationships form through our class and its CFKF instruments. It is impressive to watch young students teach one another, look out for one another’s well being in class, and support our teaching. Our students have also developed a joy in playing, which would be stunted were they not playing on instruments of such quality that their learning is facilitated rather than hindered. I find it likely that our students’ music study has led them to better executive function and emotional regulation, but unfortunately do not have the data to back up these hopes.”
Teacher at the Salvation Army KROC Center in Boston