After a visit to the exciting pilot program, Showcase recognized and awarded $15,000 to the Music Unlocks Success In ChildrenFoundation, in support of the organization's 2006-2007 teaching artist programs.

Now, one year later, Pasadena Showcase has once again valued and rewarded the foundation's expanded program. This year, the M.U.S.I.C.Foundation is running programs in two San Fernando Valley schools - Reseda and Sunny Brae elementaries -offering 500students in kindergarten through second grade unique music experiences.

The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation is a not-for-profit organization formed to return music education to Los Angeles elementary schools. Its mission - to partner with local elementary schools to provide students with the opportunity to make academic advancement through studying music - is based on current research.

"Extensive research confirms that studying music as a discipline helps students achieve better academically in all areas - especially in reading, reasoning and math," according to Kjrste Hillig, lead teacher of the program.

The musical curriculum is unique; it doesn't focus on training musical performers but rather on providing musical learning experiences that underwrite improvement in all areas of the students' academic abilities.

Music education, guided by instructors who are professional musicians, becomes part of the core school curriculum and is integrated with the standards-based curriculum goals of each grade level served.

In addition, core classroom teachers are trained in how to use music in their classrooms to enhance overall learning.

Community visitors to the pilot program have expressed support and are eagerly awaiting the program's future expansion.

After observing the program in action and working with the children, Stephanie Edwards, local TV personality, noted that music education had played an important part in her early education.

She explained that what impressed her most about the music education class was the curriculum organization.

"The way the students were introduced to three notes and then learned to deal with them as letters, numbers and sounds," Edwards said. "(Music) touches everything else. It allows (learners) to be both structured and creative at the same time ... It is a tremendous under-girding for whatever else you do (and contributes heavily) to the growth of your ability to express yourself."

Thanks to the Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts and its direct support of our teaching artists, many more youngsters will have the opportunity to succeed in school.

For more information about The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation, visit www.supportTMF.org or call 818-705-1754.