Base Academy of Music

It is a simple idea: if you teach children music, you can help them see their God-given potential. When students see what they are capable of musically, they begin to expect more of themselves at school and beyond. Music education is an essential component of a complete education.
∙ Music engages the totality of the brain in a way no other discipline does.
∙ Music education builds grit and perseve

rance, character traits demonstrated to be reliable predictors of student success. Music education is scarce for urban youth.
∙ Urban Kansas City suffers from a severe shortage of music education opportunities, particularly between I-435 and Troost Ave.
∙ Widespread poverty results in additional financial and social barriers to music education for urban youth.
∙ Student participation in KCMO schools’ music programs is low, and music education is not a priority. Music education gives students a reason and means to succeed.
∙ As students develop musical skill, small successes build both their desire and belief that they can do more than they previously imagined possible.
∙ “To become a fully functioning adult, one moves developmentally from being dependent to being independent to being interdependent.” (Ruby Payne) The progression from dependence to independence to interdependence is an inherent progression in musical development.
∙ Music impacts people deeply in multiple ways (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, relationally). Music teachers can be powerful, positive mentors for their students. We seek to be a starting point and ongoing support for music education in Kansas City by
∙ serving students by supporting local schools through music education programs,
∙ removing barriers to music education by making lessons and instruments available,
∙ providing a place for students to grow through lessons, classes, and small ensembles,
∙ focusing on the foundations of music - not just one particular style - and
∙ setting, requiring, and maintaining high academic and ethical standards for students. We will teach children music and help them see their God-given potential, resulting in musicians who
∙ hold themselves accountable for their work and choices,
∙ know that creativity is to be nurtured and used,
∙ recognize beauty and dedicate themselves to create beautiful music, and
∙ see the value of living in community: that in working with and serving others, we achieve our greatest works. It is a simple idea that will positively impact our schools and our city for generations to come.