Music teacher with student

Savannah Music Festival (SMF), a leading nonprofit performing arts organization, is ensuring that students across the state of Georgia have access to music education via a free, digital version of the popular SMF Musical Explorers program, developed in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
 
“We’re delighted to help elementary school students continue to learn about music and its role in our culture and communities through our digital Musical Explorers program,” says Savannah Music Festival Artistic Director Ryan McMaken. “Music education is an important part of a child’s development and intellectual growth, not to mention a wonderful outlet for self-expression. We hope our Musical Explorers program enhances students’ digital learning experience and broadens their cultural horizons.”
 
Musical Explorers is a free educational program designed to connect students to the music of Georgia and beyond as they build fundamental music skills through listening, singing and moving to songs from a wide variety of musical styles.
 
“As part of this year’s curriculum, students will have the opportunity to explore the music of India as well as cumbia, calypso, blues, klezmer music, and jazz,” explains Savannah Music Festival Director of Education and Community Engagement Jenny Woodruff. “Students will essentially be able to travel the world without ever leaving their homes.”
 
Musical Explorers registration for 2020-2021 includes:

  • Access to an easy-to-use digital curriculum, with multiple videos from each artist
  • Digital professional development modules to guide students through each unit
  • Video lessons that students can complete remotely or with a teacher present
  • An original digital concert featuring all artists
  • Zoom classroom visits from the artists for select classes/schools
  • A weekly newsletter with extra ideas and tips for incorporating Musical Explorers into online or in-person classrooms

The Musical Explorers program focuses on three musical genres each semester and concludes with interactive concerts, allowing students to perform songs and dances virtually with the professional musicians who inspired their lessons.
 
To register for the 2020-2021 digital Musical Explorers program, please visit savannahmusicfestival.org.