Through the NJSO Early Strings Program, the Orchestra seeks to expand its unique partnerships with schools and districts to provide modified-Suzuki violin instruction to second- through fourth-grade students.

SAMPLE OUTLINE OF INSTRUCTION

• 2nd graders begin with pre-instrument games, instrument care and readiness, and ear training and rhythm, followed by basic bowing and fingering.
• 3rd graders build on the skills developed in the first year, begin left hand pizzacato and practice introductory repertoire.
• 4th graders expand their repertoire, begin fourth finger work and deepen ensemble playing skills.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• Modified Suzuki training methods for school-based music teachers
• Regular coaching sessions for participating students by NJSO musicians
• In-school chamber music performances by NJSO musicians
• Tickets to the NJSO Concerts for Young People
• Public performance and award ceremony for “graduating” fourth graders

PROGRAM BENEFITS
The NJSO Early Strings Program has been proven, in 8 years of assessments by researchers at Columbia University’s Teachers College, to contribute not only to students’ increased capacity to stay on task, work with others and express themselves with confidence, but also to their ability to outperform their non-participating peers by 20-30% on standardized math, science and literacy tests. These findings support the belief that music has a vital role in schools.

NJSO EARLY STRINGS PROGRAM — NEWARK

In the fall of 2000, the NJSO and the Newark Public School District created a pilot string-training program in the second grades of four Newark elementary schools. The program’s goal was to introduce students to string performance and enhance their music education by providing hands-on instruction with NJSO musicians. This has served to contribute to their overall education and strengthen the bond between the NJSO and Newark communities. The NJSO Early Strings Program in Newark has grown to annually serve nearly 600 second- through fourth-grade students across 12 schools. As an additional benefit of the program in Newark, “graduating” fourth graders participate in the annual FiddleFest at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, preceding the NJSO’s Family Concert in May. After performing for their families, school communities and NJSO patrons, each fourth grader is honored with a certificate of completion and violin pin.

BRING THE NJSO EARLY STRINGS PROGRAM TO YOUR DISTRICT!

We invite principals, superintendents, teachers, community leaders—anyone with a commitment to supporting our young people’s high achievement as students, 21st-century thinkers and model citizens—to find out more about the NJSO Early Strings Program.

Meet with the NJSO staff to explore the possibilities of partnership to provide this unique and high-impact program for your students by contacting the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Education & Community Engagement Department at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476), ext. 254.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Columbia University Teachers' College’s Center for Arts Education Research provides an annual report, which indicates statistical evidence of both academic and personal/social advantages this unique program imparts to its participants.

2009 Columbia Study
2008 Columbia Study
2007 Columbia Study