The Program

Envisioned as an educational and community enrichment program based on the El Sistema model and adapted to the local realities of Durham, KidZNotes will provide free-of-charge classical, orchestral music training (including musical instruments) to interested children in the lowest-income neighborhoods of the city.

KidZNotes will follow the El Sistema philosophy and incorporate the general features of the El Sistema program, which has met with unparalleled success wherever it has been introduced. Like El Sistema, the teaching approach of KidZNotes is that everyone can learn music, and that love of the children comes first, the music second. To instill self-esteem in the children, teachers emphasize the value of each child: for example, if a child misses several days of instruction, the teacher will call or visit the child’s home.

Nonetheless, the KidZNotes program is rigorous and demanding, incorporating from 10 to 15 hours of instruction weekly, depending on the age of the children. The weekly instruction occurs in three components: whole ensemble, section work (heavily emphasized), and private lessons, usually twice per week.

The youngest children (ages 3-4) begin with a focus on body expressiveness and rhythm. The xylophone, recorder, and simple percussion instruments are employed, as is singing. This early instruction emphasizes single instrumental notes (tone production) as accompaniment to choral singing.

As children approach school age (4-5 years), they begin singing in a more organized choir. Choral singing promotes working in an ensemble, as well as cooperation and control of such musical variables as volume, pitch, timbre, articulation. In addition to choral work and their basic instruments, children now begin working with stringed instruments (typically small violins) and receive section, ensemble, and individual training. (Other instruments, such as other strings, woodwinds, are introduced as children’s physical development advances.) As often as possible, the children give ensemble and small orchestral performances: informally, in front of each other and visitors, and more formally, as a scheduled event.

Once children reach school age, practices and performances gain in levels of difficulty and challenge. Those children who wish to try other string instruments are introduced to the double bass, viola, or cello; others may explore the piano, or available woodwind or brass instruments such as the clarinet or flute, or the French horn or trumpet. Peer-assisted learning is an important feature of the model, with older students often involved in working with younger ones. Larger orchestras are organized and perform frequently.

At all ages (3-10 years) and experience levels, performances are designed to be fun, as well as demanding and engaging for the children. Nonetheless, high standards for training and performance are imperative and will be a mandate of KidZNotes.

As the program advances into the middle school grades, KidZNotes also will seek to integrate with school- and district-based children’s and youth orchestras, wherever feasible and appropriate.
What will KidZNotes offer children from low-income neighborhoods of Durham?

First are the research-confirmed benefits of music training in general: studies repeatedly find that music training is positively associated with more complex brain development, higher school achievement (e.g., math, reading, SAT scores, graduation rates, etc.), and a host of measures of long-term social, economic and emotional well-being. Second is the value of early intervention: KidZNotes will involve children from pre-school age (3-5) through elementary and middle school grades. The initiative will launch at the pre-school level, utilizing community-based facilities. Research suggests that the earlier the introduction to music, the greater the impact or benefit. Further, to counter some of the disadvantages that accrue to young children in low-income communities, the opportunity for educational enrichment in a safe and nurturing environment, such as a community recreation center, promises greater readiness for school.
Finally, KidZNotes will work in the community itself, ensuring easy access for both children and interested parents. With frequent performances of small ensembles to combined orchestral groups, children (and their parents) will experience pride and growing self-confidence. It is expected that the improved school success of KidZNotes students will draw parents closer to schools and will strengthen community ties.