Research has shown that music can benefit people in many ways. For example, a 2021 study from the University of Zurich in Switzerland found that regularly playing an instrument over time can boost brainpower. Other studies have shown that music lessons can improve attention spans, listening skills, and much more (see “Full Brain Workout”).

“Playing an instrument can completely transform these kids’ lives,” explains Claudia Rojas. She’s the Director of Communications for Miami Music Project. “They become better listeners and learners.”

Rojas has seen firsthand how music education can encourage kids to aim high. Last year, every 12th-grader in Miami Music Project graduated from high school. All of them went on to college. 

Music can benefit people in many ways. For example, regularly playing an instrument over time can boost brainpower. That’s according to a 2021 study from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Other studies have shown other positive effects. Music lessons can improve attention spans, listening skills, and more (see “Full Brain Workout”).

“Playing an instrument can completely transform these kids’ lives,” explains Claudia Rojas. She’s the Director of Communications for Miami Music Project. “They become better listeners and learners.”

Music education can help kids to aim high. Rojas has seen this firsthand. Last year, every 12th-grader in Miami Music Project graduated from high school. All of them went on to college. 

Miami Music Project has also found that playing an instrument helps build important life skills. For example, at the start of the last school year, fewer than half the students in the program reported that they could manage their emotions well. By the end of the year, that number had jumped to 95 percent.

For Louis, the program has also made it easier to adjust to life in a new country. He moved to the U.S. from Haiti three years ago. He says the support of leaders at Miami Music Project helped him learn English. The program also offered Louis a new community.

“It helped me make more friends,” he says.

According to Miami Music Project, playing an instrument also helps build important life skills. Take this example from the last school year. At the start of the year, fewer than half the students in the program said that they could deal with their emotions well. By the end of the year, that number was up to 95 percent.

For Louis, the program has also made it easier to adjust to life in a new country. He moved to the U.S. three years ago. He came from Haiti. Louis says the support of Miami Music Project’s leaders helped him learn English. The program also gave him a new community.

“It helped me make more friends,” he says.

Unfortunately, not every child gets the chance to learn to play an instrument. Many schools in the U.S. don’t offer music classes. Private lessons and instruments can cost a lot of money. For many kids in southeastern Florida, Miami Music Project is their only chance to learn to play music.

“Music education is expensive, and many families can’t afford it,” Rojas explains. “But music opens the door to new opportunities.”

That’s why Miami Music Project works to make playing music accessible to as many kids as possible. The program organizes more than 30 concerts each year. Then the orchestras play together in a final show at the end of the season. Louis says that’s one of the things he loves most about music—how it brings people together.

“When I see my friends perform with all their hearts, it helps me play with mine too,” he says.

Unfortunately, not every child gets the chance to take music lessons. Many U.S. schools don’t offer music classes. Private lessons and instruments can be costly. For many kids in southeastern Florida, Miami Music Project is their only chance to learn to play music.

“Music education is expensive, and many families can’t afford it,” Rojas explains. “But music opens the door to new opportunities.”

That’s why Miami Music Project makes music education accessible to as many kids as possible. The program hosts more than 30 concerts each year. At the end of the season, the orchestras play together in a final show. Louis says that’s one of the things he loves most about music—how it brings people together.

“When I see my friends perform with all their hearts, it helps me play with mine too,” he says.

1. Why does Louis Sylvestre say that he likes it when music class is tough?

2. Based on the article, what does it mean to “aim high”? How does the article support the idea that music education can encourage kids to aim high?

3. What might be another good title for the sidebar, “Full Brain Workout”? Explain.

1. Why does Louis Sylvestre say that he likes it when music class is tough?

2. Based on the article, what does it mean to “aim high”? How does the article support the idea that music education can encourage kids to aim high?

3. What might be another good title for the sidebar, “Full Brain Workout”? Explain.