With support from the California Arts Council, zSharp will provide full time, in-school music residencies at 3 underserved elementary schools in Richmond, CA for 1 school year. Over 1200 students, ages 5-13, will receive standards-aligned, in-depth music education that supports positive cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes. On average, 90% of students at these schools qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and without this program would receive little or no arts education.
zSharp programming is singular in its depth. We provide music teaching artists who work with every grade and every student at a single school. These committed educators have an average of 3-4 years of classroom experience and are on-site each week throughout the academic year, allowing them to build lasting relationships with the school community. Employing the unique qualities of musical learning, our programs enrich children’s overall academic experience while also addressing their psychological and emotional well-being through activities that promote empathy, risk-taking, self-confidence, and self-expression.
zSharp currently serves approximately 3,000 students in the Oakland and West Contra Costa Unified School Districts. The students we reach are some of the most underserved in California: 80% are low-income and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 92% are students of color, and 50% are English Language Learners.