Author: Mannieb
Published: July 22, 2006
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Declaring its initial online music lessons after-school project a solid
success, The Salvation Army has announced plans to continue the free
program, with the view of expanding it beyond the Berkshires region. A
June 22 recital demonstrated the fruits of the innovative public-private
collaboration among the Salvation Army and supporting organizations,
including WorkshopLive Inc., Pittsfield Cooperative Bank,
Guardian/Berkshire Life, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield Rotary Club and the
Pittsfield Cultural Council.
"From the very start, this program was conceived as a possible
prototype for adoption elsewhere in the northeast, and nationally. This early
experience convinces us that we are on the right track," said Capt.
Scott Peabody, of the Pittsfield Corps. "The WorkshopLive approach to
online learning proved extremely effective in our music lab. Students found
it easy to use, and their progress was remarkable. My guess is that
they never knew online music lessons could be this much fun."
Capt. Peabody told attendees at the concert/recital of student
musicians that the Pittsfield Corps is now accepting for the second 12-week
term of online music lessons, which begins in the fall.
"Music education has been proven to lift students� learning abilities
in all subjects," said David Smolover, founder and CEO of WorkshopLive.
"The Salvation Army has provided a valuable service in many ways,
giving students a constructive after-school activity that is both fun and
helpful to their quality of life. To see these students performing after
just 11 weeks of lessons was a most rewarding experience. We are proud
to be partners in this most worthwhile endeavor."
Available to those in grades 4-8, this new beginner program for to
keyboard lessons uses the teaching technology of WorkshopLive, the leading
provider of online music lessons. WorkshopLive provided the course
content and software; music interns from Berkshire Community College
supervised the practice sessions; and Berkshire Life (Guardian) provided the
hardware. This program is funded in part by grants from Pittsfield
Cooperative Bank, Pittsfield Rotary Club, and the Pittsfield Cultural
Council.
