Franklin Elementary
School
Special Education Songwriting Workshops
The Westside Music Foundation has raised funds to launch an exciting new group music project for the two Special Day Classes at Franklin Elementary School, a public K-5 school in Santa Monica with a comprehensive special education department. We will be providing a series of songwriting workshops where the students will have the opportunity to write their own songs, including lyrics, and have a professional CD made, using cover art designed in class. This pilot program will be used as a research model to then offer additional group music education opportunities for children with special needs at other Westside public elementary schools, as well as establishing an after-school group music program for children with special needs in the local community.
Not only is music-making important, but so is the responsibility, social skills, and peer interaction of being in a group environment. Musical expression is a wonderful way to build self-esteem and stage presence. Sharing artistic and creative gifts and receiving applause and praise from an appreciative audience empowers any child, but is especially meaningful to a special needs child who often feels left and shut out. The Westside Music Foundation is actively seeking donations and support from individuals and other organizations for our special education music programs.
Want to help? Please contact:
Deborah H. How
President
Westside Music Foundation
(310) 828-5130
dhhow@musette.org
