We all enjoy music—whether we’re dancing to it, listening on repeat, or even learning to play. But did you know that learning a musical instrument at a young age can offer powerful developmental benefits? Research shows that kids who play instruments enjoy enhanced memory, better coordination, higher self-esteem, and stronger social skills. It can even lead to reduced anxiety and depression, as well as improved academic performance and IQ.
That’s exactly what the California Symphony believes—and it’s the driving force behind Sound Minds, a transformative music education program that’s changing lives in the East Bay.
Sound Minds, launched as a pilot program in 2012, allows young students to get free music lessons from professional musicians. Inspired by the El Sistema program in Venezuela, the program began at Downer Elementary in San Pablo.
Michel Taddei, the California Symphony's Education and Orchestra Personnel Manager, said the program serves second through sixth graders. It trains students in their chosen instrument—the violin or the cello. Students are also taught music theory, chorus, academic coursework, and how to play in ensembles.
Twelve-year-old violin student Angela Villalobos says her favorite thing about being in Sound Minds is “learning an instrument, learning new things that I wouldn’t learn in the regular class.”
“I like that it has shown me what I am good at, and I like being able to express myself with music,” said Angela, who’s been playing violin for four years.
While students attend music classes for about two hours a week, the benefits go well beyond the classroom.
“The program has proven to enhance academic outcomes,” says Michel. “By the time students have participated for one year in Sound Minds, their math proficiency rates quadruple compared to students who do not participate.”
Another sixth-grader cello student, Isarivi Gómez, said playing music helps her deal with stress and makes her “feel much calmer.”
In fact, learning music can open up other learning pathways in the brain and stimulate brain activity. Students also develop listening and communication skills by working in a small group or ensemble, build confidence from performing, and even improve math skills by learning to count music.
Eleven-year-old Daniela Can Andas, taking up the violin, says the program gives her confidence to perform.
“I learned to read music, and now I feel excited rather than scared going on stage.”
But these advantages could not be fully achieved without a strong curriculum, and that’s where Michel shines.
“It's inspired by the El Sistema system, and El Sistema USA currently supports a wide variety of music programs serving under-represented communities in our field,” says Michel. “Various modalities, including the Suzuki and Kodaly methods, are also incorporated to teach the students.”
Sound Minds is 100% run by the California Symphony and receives full support from its talented and professional musicians.
“Sound Minds is all California Symphony – a number of our soloists and composers have visited with students in the program, and teaching artists are frequent performers with CS (California Symphony),” Michel states.
California Symphony also aims to provide engaging concert experiences through world-class performances and music education that inspires people of all ages.
For more information, visit: Californiasymphony.org/off-stage/for-kids/