As budgets for music programs in some local schools shrink, a local non-profit is stepping in to expose elementary school students to classical music.
Educators from PianoArts go into local classrooms and teach students the basics of rhythm, tempo and harmony over the course of a few weeks. Then, at the end of the series, students are treated to a piano concert from an accomplished musician, applying that newfound appreciation of classical music.
But that in-school education is only half of the PianoArts mission. The organization also stages an international piano competition annually in Milwaukee. Early in June, performers from across the globe will be in Milwaukee to showcase their talents and compete for a cash prize.
Click the podcast player above to listen in on a recent classroom session at Samuel Clemens Elementary School on Milwaukee's North Side.
