School district offering new piano keyboarding program
–Students in Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) will soon be given a unique opportunity within the district’s comprehensive elementary visual and performing arts program (VAPA). Beginning this week, all third grade students will learn piano keyboarding skills. The new keyboarding classes will be in addition to the already robust VAPA offerings at the elementary level. Currently, students in all six elementary schools receive weekly instruction in dance, art, and music.
Using curriculum created by the same company that provides the ST Math Program, MIND Research Institute, students will learn foundational music theory while also learning mathematical principles. The ST Math + Music Program uses non-language based computer math games along with music training to teach students problem-solving skills. According to Dana Budd, PRJUSD Director of Curriculum and Instruction, “Each class learns to read music as a mathematical chart instead of learning to play the piano by ear. Through games and songs, the students learn to enjoy music as they increase their neural development.”
PRJUSD is the only district in San Luis Obispo County currently providing this program. While VAPA instruction is available to students at all elementary schools, students attending The Arts Academy at Bauer Speck receive an extended curriculum throughout the school year including lessons on how to play string instruments such as violins.
VAPA is also being expanded to after-school programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With the addition of these new VAPA classes, students now have free after-school programs until 4:00 p.m. each day which includes athletics on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
For more information on the specialized programs within the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, please visit the website at www.pasoschools.org or email the PRJUSD VAPA Coordinator, Brent Moser,
at bmoser@pasoschools.org.
