opinion

New school offers piano lessons for all

The Tindley charter schools have demonstrated that inner-city high school students can overcome tough family circumstances and go to college.

Now the Tindley operation wants to show that music lessons can drive better student performance within the challenges of an urban setting. In its launch of the Tindley Genesis Academy, Tindley will offer daily music classes, and other arts, along with weekly piano lessons in the early elementary grades.

Todd Hawks, the new principal, thinks the discipline of music will enhance what already works well in these charter schools. Piano lessons don’t need to lead to concert performances to add big educational value. “Piano practice is fundamental,” Hawks said. “You learn how to read music. You learn music theory. You learn return and sweep — a very basic kindergarten skill.”

The Tindley Accelerated School has tied high academic expectations with a disciplined school atmosphere. Students wear uniforms, with white shirts and purple blazers. Graduates go to college, sometimes elite schools.

From a decade of success with its high school, Tindley has launched several elementary schools, and Genesis will be the first to major in music and the arts.

The school is asking for donations of gently used music instruments, which can be taken to the high school at 3960 Meadows Dr.

Hawks cited studies that show music as a critical tool for learning, not a luxury to cut in hard times. “Studies show that brain development is enhanced with music education, if you begin at an early age,” he said.

Singing, theater and dance will add to the mix, teaching self-confidence, stage presence, vocal projection and eye contact.

Hawks is a music performer himself, with the Indianapolis Civic Theatre. If the research about music is accurate, this new charter school could prove to be his top performance.

Pulliam is associate editor of The Star. E-mail him at Russell.Pulliam@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter at RBPulliam@twitter.com.