How it Works
Euterpe: Music Is The Key’s LIVE and VIRTUAL music education performance programs bridge and connect the diverse musical cultures of Classical, Jazz, Stride, Blues, Latin, Indigenous/Métis, Caribbean, South Asian and other musical styles. Our principal focus is children, especially those in underserved schools/communities.
The musical seed is planted. Our Live programs involve children’s participation throughout in a variety of fun, creative ways, from singing, playing rhythm instruments, dancing, engaging with the musicians with questions one-on-one and more. Our Virtual programs allow children to see our inspiring, educational videos multiple times, in both English and in French, reinforcing the learning experience. Children who experience our Virtual programs are able to reach out to Euterpe personnel through their schools to ask questions and express their interests and feelings. Euterpe: Music Is The Key is here to help children with their musical dreams.
Our programs, both Live and Virtual, introduce children to musical experiences that the vast majority of them have not had. Euterpe: Music Is The Key’s Qualitative Descriptive Scientific Research Studies reveal that our programs have awakened children to the joy of these musical styles. We take children on a diverse musical journey that inspires, informs and excites the imagination.
The many diverse musical cultures that children are connected to through our Global Bridges programs demonstrate how the universal language of music unites us all. Children are inspired in multiple ways and our studies reveal that virtually all the children want to hear this music again, play an instrument and learn music. Our programs lead children to want to make music with others. Learning music and making music with others is known to have inestimable benefits for the developing mind, enhancing mental health, focus, academic achievement, positive social development, and overall health and well-being throughout life. The earlier a child is exposed to these opportunities, the more enriched his or her life will be.
Often children reach out to Euterpe musicians asking for the instrument of their choice and for lessons. These children’s dreams are fulfilled through Euterpe: Music Is The Key’s MUSIC MENTORSHIP Program, which partners with Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
How about your school?
Please contact us for more details about how you can bring the power of music to your organization or school.
Study Guide
The vast majority of children today are not exposed to high calibre, live, interactive performances of classical, jazz and related musical styles. Yet these musical genres are known to aid tremendously in the development of the young brain. An important part of Euterpe’s mandate is to ensure that these opportunities are provided. Euterpe collaborates with school boards across the country to create interactive musical performances at as many public schools as possible. Euterpe has developed a positive working relationship with school boards including the TDSB, DDSB, TLDSB and many others. With the support of the school boards, and the assistance of principals and music teachers, Euterpe has created a comprehensive teaching guide that is consistent with the requirements of the school boards. This guide is provided to teachers, upon request, prior to Euterpe School Concerts.
It is important to note that the reactions and responses of the children during and following the Euterpe musicians’ performances are all-telling. No matter the demographic, these performances awaken in the children the joy of this music, inspiring them to want to hear more of this music, to learn these musical styles, to play an instrument, and to make music with others. It is a rich and lasting musical experience for the children, and this is true regardless of pre-concert guidance.
What is most important is consistent follow up referencing Euterpe’s study guides. As well, Euterpe musicians can be available for follow-up.
The Euterpe Study Guide for School Teachers follows the school board’s music curriculum very closely. This Study Guide is divided into two parts.
Both parts are important references following Euterpe’s performances.
1) Pre-Concert Preparation
The pre-concert portion of the guide includes CDs created by Euterpe which introduce the students to the sound of the instruments they will be hearing at the Euterpe concert – the piano, violin, cello, viola, bass, trumpet, percussion and more. A variety of musical examples are included.
The students are then introduced to the idea of the musical form called a Round. Examples of this form are included on the CDs and user friendly sheet music is provided for the teacher, allowing for in-class pre-concert singing of this form. For example, the Round entitled Three Blind Mice. The introduction of the Round conceptually prepares the students for the musical form known as Fugue. The difference between a Round and a Fugue is discussed. Listening examples are provided.
Along with the form known as a Lullaby, additional preparation includes the introduction of different types of dance forms that the students will be hearing at the concert, from Waltz to Ragtime and Tango and beyond. A variety of musical examples of these forms are included on the CDs provided.
The degree of analysis of these forms will depend on the age group/school grade. Exploration of these forms may ultimately include analysis of structure and musical motifs and themes as well as rhythmic structure and dynamics. All grades will explore the emotional response experienced by the individual for each composition – the mood created – sad, happy, relaxing, angry etc.
2) Post Concert Review
The post-concert review includes engaging the students in a discussion about the instruments and involves further listening to repertoire on the CDs provided. The various forms, styles and eras of music heard at the Euterpe concert are then explored further. This opens the door to a world of options which includes exploration in varying depth of the forms and styles as well as of composers from various musical eras. For example, the Fugues of J. S. Bach, the polyphonic compositional style, the Baroque era, the country Germany, what years, musical compositions by other Baroque composers, and other related art forms of that musical period.
Other post-concert study encourages students to write music. Some students may also be inspired to write lyrics. Comparative study of forms and styles from cultures around the world is included and encouraged.
