CBS4 RTV4 WHBF Quad Cities, IL / IA News Weather SportsPiano Celebration 2010
CBS4 invites you to be part of The Piano Celebration 2010. The weekend event at Davenport's Northpark Mall features high-achieving student pianists, musicians and vocalists - each of who is helping the Iowa City Ronald McDonald House. Last year over 300 student and guest pianists entertained the crowds raising over $35,000 for the House.
Piano Celebration 2010
to support the Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City
Northpark Mall - Davenport, IA
Saturday April 17
10am - 6pm
Sunday April 18
Noon - 5pm
The Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City
The Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City, opened in 1985, has been a "home away from home" for over 45,000 family members from all 99 Iowa Counties, all 50 states, and 40 foreign countries. Since opening, the House has grown in capacity from 15 rooms to the current capacity of 31 rooms following the House expansion in 1999. No state or federal tax dollars are used by the House. Through the generosity of our loyal donors, the House is 100% privately supported and donations are tax-deductible. The Piano Celebration supports the House because families from both Scott and Rock Island Counties are among the largest group for families served at the House. It is also a good example of kids helping kids (and their families) while showcasing the efforts of high achieving students and supportive families. Click on the link above to learn more about the House, take a virtual tour, learn about families who have stayed at the house or learn additional ways you can make a donation.
Did you know ...
Research shows that piano students are better equipped to comprehend mathematical and scientific concepts. A group of preschoolers received private piano keyboard lessons and singing lessons. A second group received private computer lessons. Those children who received piano/keyboard training performed 34% higher on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability than the others - even those who received computer training. "Spatial-temporal" is basically proportional reasoning - ratios, fractions, proportions and thinking in space and time. This concept has long been considered a major obstacle in the teaching of elementary math and science. Source: Neurological Research February 28, 1997
Did you know ...
Young children with developed rhythm skills perform better academically in early school years. Findings of a recent study showed that there was a significant difference in the academic achievement levels of students classified according to rhythmic competency. Students who were achieving at academic expectation scored high on all rhythmic tasks, while many of those who scored lower on the rhythmic test achieved below academic expectation. Source: "The Relationship between Rhythmic Competency and Academic Performance in First Grade Children," University of Central Florida, Debby Mitchell
Did you know ...
Music training helps under-achievers. In Rhode Island, researchers studied eight public school first grade classes. Half of the classes became "test arts" groups, receiving ongoing music and visual arts training. In kindergarten, this group had lagged behind in scholastic performance. After seven months, the students were given a standardized test. The "test arts" group had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22%. In the second year of the project, the arts students widened this margin even further. Students were also evaluated on attitude and behavior. Classroom teachers noted improvement in these areas also. Source: Nature May 23, 1996
Did you know ... A ten-year study, tracking more than 25,000 students, shows that music-making improves test scores. Regardless of socioeconomic background, music-making students get higher marks in standardized tests than those who had no music involvement. The test scores studied were not only standardized tests, such as the SAT, but also in reading proficiency exams. Source: Dr. James Catterall, UCLA, 1997.
Did you know ... High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their peers. In 2001, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework/experience in the arts.
Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001.
Did you know ... College-age musicians are emotionally healthier than their non-musician counterparts. A study conducted at the University of Texas looked at 362 students who were in their first semester of college. They were given three tests, measuring performance anxiety, emotional concerns and alcohol related problems. In addition to having fewer battles with the bottle, researchers also noted that the college-aged music students seemed to have surer footing when facing tests. Source: Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998
Download more information about the benefits of learning to play from the American Music Conference.
The Keys To Higher Learning:
The Piano, Music & Improving Test Scores
Music Beats Computers at Enhancing Early Childhood Development
Studies which suggest piano study can help improve a child's brain development.
Benefits of Learning to Play
The Importance of Learning the Piano
