Rosie’s House, one of the nation’s largest free music education programs, has received a $300,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The gift will largely be used to create three new classes: Music Explorations, Digital Creativity and Percussion Ensemble, a press release stated.

Through its music education and mentorship, Rosie’s House students gain valuable life skills such as public performance and speaking, time management, leadership and teamwork.

“Much of what children learn about themselves and the world around them happens outside the academic classroom,” PXG founder and CEO Bob Parsons, said in the release. “Through music, Rosie’s House is teaching children discipline and persistence, skills that they will carry throughout their lives.”

With 90% of a child’s brain developing by age 5, early childhood music programs have been proven to increase critical learning skills, language acquisition, pattern recognition, physical coordination and memory. This early development results in greater success in kindergarten and beyond. Rosie’s House new, bilingual Music Explorations Program will grow to serve approximately 40 children, ages 4–6, along with their parents or caregivers.

The Digital Creativity Center will open in fall 2022 with 18 state-of-the-art computer workstations and a robust schedule of classes that utilize leading-edge technology in digital music. Classes will include music composition, audio engineering and recording for students in 4th grade through high school.

Through this digital music curriculum, students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, pro-social behavior and technical expertise. Technical skills in this industry represent a pathway to high-wage jobs and inspire the curiosity and imagination of participants.

With a full roster of classes in a variety of instruments, Rosie’s House is now adding two Percussion Ensembles to its curriculum. Able to serve 40 students at a time, the program is designed for youth development, emphasizing collaboration, teamwork and the importance of rhythm in traditional and multicultural drumming. Drumming is an interactive and dynamic process that teaches students how to pay attention, control their impulses and gain decision-making skills.

“In response to a community need, we knew we wanted to expand our curriculum to include these key areas, and we began experimenting with pilot classes and testing different teaching methods,” Rosie’s House CEO Becky Bell Ballard, said in the release. “Now, because of this generous gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, these essential learning areas will be a permanent part of our annual programs at Rosie’s House.”

Rosie’s House uses music to give low-income students a sense of purpose, accomplishment and the ability to make college a reality. Extensive mentoring is also offered to first generation college students and their parents, who are often unfamiliar with confusing application and scholarship processes. Rosie’s House programs offer realistic hope for a better future to students and their families. Ninety-seven percent of Rosie’s House graduates break the cycle of multigenerational poverty by achieving their college and career goals.

“Music has the power to teach us so much about life and ourselves,” Renee Parsons, president and executive creative director, said in the release. “It can move us, motivate us and spark creativity. Rosie’s House is offering all of this and more to students who otherwise would not have access to the opportunities music education affords.”

To learn more, visit RosiesHouse.org or follow @rosieshousemusic on Instagram.