Music Matters Program
RCLG Program Director Julian Goff taught music at the Academy for Integrated Arts (AFIA) in Kansas City. AFIA’s dedicated teachers and staff bring passion and expertise to the task of preparing students for secondary school. Together, they create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel free to express themselves, inspired to learn, and motivated to solve problems. Julian brings his expertise and passion for music to our Music Matters program.
Instrumental Music is Beneficial!
As a professional musician, our Program Coordinator, Julian Goff, understands the importance of exposing young people to the power of playing music at an early age. This is why he enjoys teaching in group and private settings.
Most people don't realize the importance of music, which is why music and arts programs are the first to be eliminated when budget shortfalls occur. But music really does matter!
Playing instruments can:
- help children develop their motor skills
- help children learn to identify and manage their emotions.
For cognitive development, music can:
- help youth learn to anticipate patterns and sequence objects or events, which can help build early math and reading skills.
While teaching for the past five years, Julian has continued to perform professionally in various ensembles around Kansas City.
When instructing young people, Julian exposes them to the power of music. Early in their lessons, he reveals how music appears around them. Cartoons like The Pink Panther and Tom and Jerry are great references because they use music as the main storytelling element to accompany the pictures on the screen. These examples use very little, if any, dialogue.
As Julian exposes youth to the power of music, this is an example of how we empower young, start-up musicians through the Music Matters program.