In January, the Columbus Symphony in Ohio debuted a program called Mindful Music Moments, which incorporates daily mindfulness and classical music to promote student focus, at Pickerington Elementary School in Pickerington, Ohio. At the start of each school day, students at the school listen to four minutes of recorded classical music and relaxation prompts during morning announcements. Part music appreciation and part stress-reduction techniques, the program offers insight on composers and music history. Each week begins with a new classical composition chosen by Columbus Symphony or program partners CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) and Opera Columbus. Classical selections may reflect upcoming performances of those organizations or works incorporated into their own youth music-education programs. Mindful Music Moments is in place at schools in Cincinnati and Cleveland, with Pickerington Elementary being the first central Ohio school to implement the program.
Posted February 14, 2018
