Improving math through music

(Bronx - WABC, October 30, 2006) (WABC) -- A program is using a unique way for students to become better at math.

It involves music, not something most people associate with numbers.

But as Eyewitness News education reporter Art McFarland shows, it seems to add up.

Fourth graders at PS 69 are using music to sharpen their math skills.

"Subtracting and adding the musical notes, I feel like I'm doing math, except with the music notes," student Elias Delgado said.

Creating a link between music and academics is exactly the point of the program known as "Education Through Music".

"Two things should happen," Executive Director Katherine Damkohler said. "We should keep integrity of the discipline, so children should really learn about music and the skills of music, and then use that to support learning."

A rhythm exercise helps students learn about counting and sequencing, which, in turn, helps them solve math problems.

"The problems are just the same thing as the rhythm of the notes, so they're kind of the same," student Brianna Flores said.

When it comes to evaluating any connection between music and math, educators tell us the proof is in the numbers. At PS 69, math scores are up sharply since the school began working with "Education Through Music."

The school had been a failing school, in danger of being taken over by the state. In 2002, only 38 percent of third graders were proficient in math. That number improved over the next two years. And after "Education Through Music" started in 2004, scores shot up to more than 90 percent proficient last year. Reading scores are also up.

"I don't want to be defined by my scores," principal Alan Cohen said. "But a quality school needs to be accountable and scores are one aspect of it."

Even PS 69 kindergarten students turn math and counting into music. No one is making a scientific claim about the results, but teachers like what they see.

"Learning about music is one of the most fun parts of their day," music teacher Eleanor Miller said. "I can really tell that, just by the way they react to me asking them to do something."

The program now serves 15 schools and some 7,300 students. Program officials hope to expand.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•