music programs 

Audacity offers music education programs tailored to grades 1-8 and Title 1 school students.  Our music programs feature:

• Guitar and ukulele classes, with ukulele highlighted as having a low barrier to entry

• Percussion and drumming instruction that combines musical training with physical engagement

• EDM Music program introduces students to the basics of rhythm and music technology. Students learn how beats shape music, explore different tempos and patterns, and create their own rhythms. 

Program Approach:

• Programs delivered during school day and after school

• Focus on cultural relevance and student engagement

• Taught by teaching artists who are predominantly (90%) people of color

• Emphasis on making music education accessible to Title 1 school students

Audacity’s teaching approach emphasizes cultural connection, with 90% of their teaching artists being people of color who often share cultural backgrounds with their students. This strategy has proven successful, as evidenced by teacher observations noting meaningful relationship building and strong student engagement through musical instruction.

Impact

• Students develop meaningful relationships through positive interactions during music activities, with many expressing excitement to discuss music and make personal connections

• Music programs create direct connections to classroom learning, with teachers noting how Audacity's instrument demonstrations complement reading curriculum about musical instruments

• The EDM Music program introduces students to rhythm and music technology fundamentals, teaching them how beats shape music and enabling them to create their own rhythms

• Guitar and ukulele classes provide accessible entry points to music education, with ukulele specifically highlighted as having a low barrier to entry for Title 1 school students

Teacher Reflections: 

"The relationships that were formed by positive interactions, setting boundaries, and talking with the students were meaningful. Many of the students were excited to talk about music and make personal connections." 

- McKinley Elementary School,  Beginning Music, 5th Grade

"The students enjoy the teachers. In reading, we were reading about musical instruments, this directly connected to what the Audacity teachers were exposing the students to. Students particularly enjoyed seeing the real instruments; they also enjoyed the videos which demonstrated the instruments."

 - Ramblewood Elementary School, Music, 2nd Grade