Mindful Music Moments

In 2014-2015, 46% of our 5th graders said they needed help handling stress, in 2017 only 17% of our 5th graders said they needed help with stress. I know that Mindful Music has a direct impact on that number. This is one data point, but we have been intentional about focusing on teaching healthy coping strategies and MMM has become our level ALL kids get each day.

Jean Bode, School Counselor, Wilson Elementary

I love the time we get to just “be” and listen to great music!

Student, Dickinson Middle School

While I'm listening to Mindful Music, I feel like I am being lifted up on a high cloud, and when the music ends I return to my classroom.

Student, Northside Catholic Assumption Academy

When I listen to Mindful Music it makes me feel calm and when I listen to it after recess I get ready for learning.

Avery S., 6th Grade, Seipelt Elementary School

Incorporating [Mindful Music Moments] into our routine gave us the opportunity to MAKE TIME to be mindful. We learned how to be mindful through the music and breathing techniques. I saw children feel the music in their own ways - some would close eyes, some would focus out the window, while others would move their bodies calmly to the music in their chairs.

Sara Fenton, Teacher, Monroe Primary School

We began the year with more than 75% of our students saying that they "liked," Mindful Music. We did not get to complete our end-of-year survey but plan to do another in the fall and would bet that number would be higher as the routine continued and people became more comfortable with the program. Almost 80% reported that they felt calm when listening to Mindful Music.

Lisa Courtney, Principal, Summerside Elementary School

Mindful Music ... helped me through the pandemic because it reminds me of a better time. It also reminds me of the hope that we as a musical community bring to the world during a pandemic. Mindful Music is a good way to stop and realize that we are all in this together and that it will get better!

Talise W., Turpin High School

My family has lived here [Cleveland] for 5 generations, and we love hearing different types of music made by the city and the people in it. You can hear the joy, and it gives an uplifting spirit. This past year, music has really helped me calm down, relax and try to be positive, and definitely worked! I love music and I hope that everyone can listen to music and all their worries can go away.

5th Grade Band Student, Sailorway Middle

The best part about Mindful Music Moments is [that it creates] a peaceful start to our day, modeling mindful strategies to support social-emotional growth, while exposing our students to beautiful music.

J. Harris, Principal, Orchard Hollow Elementary

My first experience with Mindful Music Moments was while teaching Third Grade students in Cleveland Heights. As we listened each morning, students had a choice of sitting quietly or completing their morning work. One day after listening, one of my students told me how grateful she was for the peaceful moment in her morning routine. She explained that with two busy parents and three younger siblings, her morning felt hectic. Having a moment to sit and think helped her feel more prepared for the school day ahead.

I also used Mindful Music Moments with my fifth graders. As soon as attendance was taken, our class began our morning routine of listening. My students were so interested and excited about the different composers we learned about, it inspired them to do their own research on each composer. We filled our morning meetings with rich discussions about how music can impact our mood. It was so obvious that my students not only enjoyed Mindful Music Moments, they also were learning from the program.

With the onset of Covid-19, the school experience changed dramatically for all students. My second-grade class is made up of students in families who have chosen to spend the entire school year using a 100% virtual format. Utilizing Mindful Music Moments helps my students feel a sense of normalcy, as well as a sense of unity. Although we are all apart, we listen together, and our community of learners is together in our hearts and minds.

All ages, all grade levels, and all circumstances can benefit from the use of Mindful Music Moments. I am a better, more culturally responsive educator because of this amazing program.

Jasmine Venson, Mentor Public Schools