Solving Real-World Problems: The Musical
In September of 2024, The Music Village was selected to participate in a program through the Indiana Arts Commission called "Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teaching." This program partners local arts organizations with a teacher in the same community to integrate the arts into core subjects like reading, math, and science as a highly effective and rewarding approach to meeting standards while reaching diverse learners, engaging students, and making a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Our 12 week Fellowship for Creative Teaching program “Solving Real-World Problems: The Musical” brought original songs and hand percussion instruments into a Wilson Elementary autism resource classroom to be used with the math curriculum to help improve test scores. We created a curriculum designed to tie musical terms and techniques to math functions (think: crescendo=addition, decrescendo=subtraction, etc.). The students learned how to play the instruments while solving the math problems, which helped them visualize and apply the math functions in a new way.
Of the students who participated for the full session, 5 out of 7 students showed an average growth from their beginning of year (BOY) assessments to their middle of year (MOY) assessments of around 15%.
One student even showed growth that kept them on track with their neurotypical peers.
Objective 1.1:
At least 50% of students will accurately identify all keywords in at least one math word problem during a session
by December 15th, 2024.
Week 1: 50% of students met the
objective in the first session!
Week 5: 85% of students...
Week 6: 100% of students were able to
identify all keywords in at least one math word problem per class session.
Objective 2.1:
At least 50% of students will create their own example on the whiteboard to work through with their peers, with or without prompting, at least once during a session by December 15th, 2024.
We had over 50% student participation every week, with some weeks having 100% participation!
Objective 1.2:
At least 50% of students will accurately solve math word problems on their own when prompted through assessment by December 15th, 2024.
Week 2: 33% of students met the objective
Week 7: 50% of students...
Week 9: 75% of students...
Week 11: 80% of students could accurately solve a math word problem on their own using the musical strategies put in place throughout the program!
Objective 3.1:
At least 50% of students will accurately identify a musical term (i.e. forte, piano, djembe, rhythm, dynamic, etc.)
during a session by December 15th, 2024.
​
Week 1: 3 out of 7 students could identify a musical term
Week 5: 5 out of 7 students...
Week 7: 6 out of 7 students could accurately identify at least one musical term during a session!
In addition to the academic growth, Laurisa, the students' teacher, reported some significant social and emotional growth with these students over the past 12 weeks.
Whether that meant going up in front of the class and creating their own word problem to solve with excitement, or just being more comfortable interacting with each other in a group setting,
these students really came out of their shell when they started creating music together. ​
Girls Rock Michiana has made a powerful and lasting impact on the local community by providing a unique, inclusive, and supportive space where young girls and LGBTQ+ youth can explore music, creativity, and personal development. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and performance opportunities, the program encourages self-expression and challenges traditional gender norms in the music industry and beyond.
In addition to its focus on self-empowerment, Girls Rock Michiana also plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and expanding the representation of marginalized voices in music. By providing a space where students can connect, build confidence, and collaborate with others, the program strengthens both individual growth and community connections. These experiences help nurture a sense of belonging and contribute to the development of a more equitable and dynamic local arts scene by inspiring the next generation of artists and musicians.
Since launching its first summer camp in 2018, which served 30 students, Girls Rock Michiana has grown exponentially, serving over 150 students to date. The program’s attendance continues to rise each year, a testament to the increasing demand for inclusive, creative spaces for young people. Through the continued support of the community and partners, Girls Rock Michiana is set to broaden its reach even further in the years to come, providing an even greater impact on youth and the greater South Bend community.
Have any questions or want to learn more?
Contact us at tmv@themusicvillage.org or give us a call at (574) 245-7664.