Presidents Message
We realized from the beginning that music education experiences based on Blues music and its impact on America and the world could have a dramatic impact on learning. Considerable research has validated that music instruction in a child’s education can be a significant contributor to improving outcomes and success over their lifetime:
• Success in society
• Success in school
• Success in developing intelligence
• Success in life
During our first program in 2004, we heard the last living Mississippi Delta Bluesmen share their stories with 83 students from all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, who were transfixed on every word. This was a defining moment.
Think about a song from your younger days that you still remember today. It probably invokes memories of a place you were, a person you knew, or a boy or girl you were dating or the car you were driving. You remember it like it was yesterday. The experience created an emotional connection resulting in a lifelong memory.
Our program takes a similar approach. We use a live, artist-led musical storyteller experience much like our first event, but with learning objectives to facilitate an emotional connection with lessons in the story. When presented together they become inextricably linked in the child’s memory over their lifetime. This is a powerful combination for reinforcing learning that leads to positive outcomes.
For the elementary students we serve who are at the beginning of their educational experience, the impact can be even more profound. The earlier we can introduce children to music, the better chance we have for driving positive outcomes over their lifetime.
Thanks to everyone that has and continues to support our mission.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Jeffry A.Dyson
President
The Blue Shoe Project
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