New Social and Emotional Learning Program Uses the Power of Music to Improve Kids’ Lives

Inaugural Test Targets Los Angeles Middle School Students

Kids Group at Social and Emotional Learning Pilot at LAUSD School

Music Used in New Social and Emotional Learning Program at LAUSD's Incubator School.

“Music gives students a valuable outlet for self-expression and communicating challenging feelings."

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (PRWEB) April 05, 2016

EarthTones, a music and heart centric non-profit arts organization, launches a new music-focused Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) pilot program April 6 – 13, 2016 in Los Angeles.

The new music-based SEL curriculum targets sixth grade students who are at a critical age in the development of self-identity, confidence, emotional self-regulation, relationship building, and other core markers of healthy social and emotional development. The program is an expansion of EarthTones’ WHY Music in Schools, and includes intensive workshops and in-class teacher led modules for deeper learning and absorption by students. Developed by EarthTones founder and director, Frank Fitzpatrick, the content is based on extensive research and aligns with U.S. Common Core Standards for improving the wellbeing and learning capacity of students.

“Music is one of the key ingredients to creating a healthier and happier life,” said Fitzpatrick. “By bringing it to children and schools in an impactful and meaningful way, it quickly becomes one of the greatest resources for managing our emotions, stimulating our creativity, building relationships, and enhancing our performance and wellbeing.”

The two-week intensive program and curriculum combines experiential learning and visionary creative practices in a fun and inspiring environment, redefining the traditional use of music in education. The inaugural test program will target 60 underserved sixth graders in the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Incubator School.

“Music gives students a valuable outlet for self-expression and communicating challenging feelings,” says Fitzpatrick. “It can significantly contribute to personal development, perceptions, and choices in ways that last a lifetime.”

About WHY Music in Schools:
WHY Music in Schools provides students, teachers, and parents with engaging and accessible ways to manage stress, regulate emotions, improve creativity and performance, adapt to change, and cultivate healthier relationships with the world around them.

In addition to the Music-Based SEL Incubator Pilot for middle school students, EarthTones is bringing WHY Music into other national Social and Emotional Learning platforms, including InspirED (an online resource for high schoolers (with Facebook and The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence) and We Want Peace in Schools (with recording artist Emmanuel Jal).

To learn more about this program or contribute to funding to help expand the program throughout the country, visit whymusicinschools.com.

About EarthTones:
EarthTones is an international non-profit arts organization committed to raising social consciousness and connecting people across the globe through the power of music and media. EarthTones supports the production of emotionally compelling content while partnering with top-level talent, like-minded organizations, and large-scale distribution platforms to engage, inform, and inspire people across the globe. To learn more visit earthtones.org.

About the Founder:
Frank Fitzpatrick, founder and director of EarthTones and creator of WHY Music, has proven himself to be a creative visionary and leading voice in the use of music and storytelling for personal and social transformation. A multi-platinum selling record producer, Grammy-nominated songwriter, social entrepreneur, and award-winning filmmaker, he has created the soundtracks for more than two-dozen films, produced countless music events, and sold more six million albums.

Together with EarthTones, Fitzpatrick has established partnerships with like-minded organizations, filmmakers, and recording artists that are working to connect and inspire people on a larger scale. Whether for a Hollywood blockbuster, a documentary, or a campaign for the UN, Fitzpatrick embraces music and storytelling as primary drivers for helping shape the perceptions, attitudes, and relationships necessary to build a more harmonious and sustainable future.

WHY Music in Schools Partners: