National Association Recognizes Spurwink Music Program

Spurwink Services and the agency's music teacher, Jeff Shaw, have received national recognition for creating a model music program for youth with special needs in Maine. The National Association for Music Education (MENC) recently published a book, “Model Music Programs” which highlights programs throughout the country that offer “replicable ways of organizing and maintaining high-quality music education.” Spurwink's music program is featured in Chapter 3 of the publication, titled, “Music for All.” MENC cites Spurwink's commitment to meet each child's potential and limitations.

As music teacher, Shaw teaches at two of Spurwink's special purpose schools - the Roosevelt School in South Portland and the Cummings School in Portland. Both the Roosevelt and Cummings Schools serve children who have been unsuccessful in the public school system due to severe emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges.

Shaw explains the students themselves make this music program unique. “From autism to schizophrenia, and from the learning disabled to students struggling with emotional difficulties, we need to meet the needs of each of our students.”

Five years ago, many of these students had never participated in a music class or had instruction on an instrument. When Shaw was hired, he faced the challenge of creating Spurwink's first formal music program that would be accessible, fulfilling and enjoyable to a very diverse student population.

“I knew our approach would have to be as unique as the children themselves,” Shaw stated. “While the focus of a traditional music program is on areas such as performance and theory, our program at Spurwink is grounded in creativity and fostering positive musical experiences for our students.”

Since the music program's inception, children for whom musical training was quite foreign are now eager to play a variety of instruments and sing and participate in annual school-wide talent shows.

The Spurwink Music Program was featured on a WCSH 6 newscast on June 4, 2008. Jeff Shaw and several students were interviewed by Susan Kimball, WCSH 6 reporter.

Contact:

Spurwink Services
899 Riverside Street
Portland, Maine 04103
207-871-1200
1-888-889-3903
info@spurwink.org