Table of Contents
Overview
The Music Education team, in collaboration with Jubilee House, have researched what music education opportunities are provided for upper elementary students of color in urban environments similar to Hartford.
We began by asking if it was possible to create a small yet scalable after or before school strings music program at Jubilee House, which is a non-profit education and social support center that mostly serves immigrants from the surrounding neighborhoods. As we mapped out our project, we reframed the initial proposed question not only to consider string instruments, but more broadly to consider many music genres.
We wanted to better understand the deficit of music education opportunities for upper elementary students of color in urban environments and examine various holistic models of music education that could be implemented at Jubilee House.
Jubilee House
The House of Bread is a nonprofit community organization that was founded in 1980 by two nuns who wanted to help their community by handing out bread and coffee in Hartford’s North End. It has since evolved into an organization that serves thousands of people in Hartford, providing access to food, shelter, and education.
Jubilee House, located at 40 Clifford Street in Hartford, CT, is part of House of Bread. Jubilee House is an education and support center for immigrants. The staff and volunteers at Jubilee House teach English classes, help with citizenship preparation, assist with computer literacy, provide childcare services during classes, and much more. Jubilee House serves people of all ages, welcoming all members of the families that enter its doors.
Research Questions
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What music education opportunities and models are provided in urban environments similar to Hartford? Specifically, what music opportunities are provided for urban children of color around upper elementary school age?
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How do urban environments impact music education opportunities?
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How do income and transportation impact accessibility to music education?
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To what extent are the children and families of Jubilee House interested in a music program?
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In what ways would a music program benefit the families and children of Jubilee House?
