K-12 Music Programs Supported By Clay Foundation

ince 1995, the Lyell B. and Patricia K. Clay Foundation of Charleston, West Virginia has provided colleges and universities throughout the state with Disklaviers¨, Clavinovas, computers, music software, and other support to enhance music education and teacher training. Having assisted these colleges in substantially upgrading their programs, the Foundation now turns its attention to the pressing needs of public school music programs.

A key component of all Clay Foundation technology grants is training in the use of the new equipment. In July, Yamaha and the Foundation sponsored a Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI-ME.org), a five-day course to teach 16 Charleston area K-12 music teachers how to apply new music technologies in their work. The Clay Foundation created a fully-equipped lab at Capital High School with 17 Clavinova CVP207 digital pianos.

This Level 1-A TI-ME training covered the basics of MIDI, MIDI keyboards (including the CVP207), music notation software (Finale), and sequencing software (Cakewalk Home Studio). By the end of the week, teachers were applying their new knowledge to create lesson plans. According to George Litterst, Yamaha consultant and advisor to the Clay Foundation, "The sessions were highly successful and generated incredible excitement among the teachers."

"Some teachers had never used music technology before; others were familiar with sequencing and software," adds Dr. Melody Meadows, the TI-ME instructor and an associate professor of music at WV Wesleyan College, which previously received Foundation support. "George and I helped them see that the average person can use the Clavinova very comfortably. By Christmas, I anticipate a lot of teacher feedback to help us prepare for future sessions."

Upon completion of the TI-ME course, the Clay Foundation accepted proposals from each of the schools represented. All 16 proposals articulated a vision for how a possible award would be used, and each school was awarded a CVP207 along with music software and accessories.

Dan Ferguson Music in Ceredo, WV, installed the Clavinovas at the training lab and in the schools, most of which had been using 40-50 year old pianos in poor condition. "Of course, we're very excited," says Ferguson. "Mr. Clay has a burning desire to help enhance and facilitate the music education of West Virginia students. Our schools would never have the budget for any pianos; this program has been a real boon to music education in our state."