"WHY WE TEACH MUSIC..."

Not because we expect you to major in music
Not because we expect you to sing and play all your life
Not so that you can relax
Not so that you can have fun

But so you will be human
You will recognize beauty, you will be sensitive
You will be close to an infinite beyond this world
You will have something to cling to
You will have more love, more compassion
More gentleness, more good

In short: more life (and then you will sing & play, relax & have fun all your life)"

“I am absolutely delighted to see that the children of the Denver area will have the same wonderful opportunity that KFK gave the children of Atlanta when Jocelyn and David Morrow established KeyboardsForKids there. The learning model is highly conducive to rapid evolution of musical skill, as well as helping to jumpstart other cognitive development. As a family psychiatrist I have been passionate over the years about encouraging the empowerment and development of children. I have seen your approach work magic in establishing increased self confidence as children show each other their new skills and experience directly the joy of music. The "Mozart Effect" is real. Best of luck in this endeavor in Colorado! Fondly, Terry E. Gagon, M.D.

“Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits and that lead to effective study and work habits. An association of music and math has, in fact, long been noted. Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. In medicine, increasing published reports demonstrate that music has a healing effect on patients. For all these reasons, it deserves strong support in our educational system, along with the other arts, the sciences, and athletics.”

Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., Leading Heart Surgeon, Baylor College of Music.

“Music has a great power for bringing people together. With so many forces in this world acting to drive wedges between people, it’s important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity.”

Ted Turner, Turner Broadcasting System.

“Music is one way for young people to connect with themselves, but it is also a bridge for connecting with others. Through music, we can introduce children to the richness and diversity of the human family and to the myriad rhythms of life.”

Daniel A. Carp, Eastman Kodak Company Chairman and CEO.

"If we can develop strong music education programs in schools all over the country, good things will happen. Our schools will be stronger. Our children will be smarter. Our nation will be greater. And our lives will be filled with music. Studying music and the arts elevates children's education, expands students' horizons, and teaches them to appreciate the wonder of life."

Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education, in a speech to the National Assembly of MENC

"While most of us will never sing like Aretha Franklin or Celine Dion, an education in the arts can help all of us reach our individual dreams. Research now shows that music education not only lifts our children's hearts, but also dramatically increases their abstract reasoning, spatial skills and their scores on math and verbal exams. At a time when too many arts education programs are the first to be cut and the last to be added, all of us must send a clear message. When it comes to igniting our children's ability to learn and imagine, the arts must be just as central to our children's education as the three R's."

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Former First Lady of the United States of America