Would you like to visit an MFM music class? Call 650.237.9130 or Email.
Volunteer Educator (Docent) Program
Classroom music teachers for the Volunteer Educator (Docent) Program form Music for Minors’ primary volunteer group. This highly regarded music education program is taught by MFM-trained volunteers for children in grades K through 3 throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. MFM recruits, trains and places volunteer music educators from a variety of cultures, ages and backgrounds.
Benefits
MFM’s Volunteer Educator Program is a sequential, standards-based music education program .MFM volunteer-led classes provide children with a variety of musical experiences. They participate in many facets of music, such as singing, movement, theory, dance, musical games, and use of rhythm instruments.
Why IT IS important
A growing body of research has shown that exposing children to regular music instruction at an early age develops cognitive and social skills, math, science and reading abilities as well as self-esteem, thereby improving a young child’s quality of life.
Children exposed to music education are more likely to achieve a higher level of education and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse. A quality music program in elementary schools is essential to prepare children for the competitive 21st century global workplace.
Schedule
Trained Volunteer Educators teach a minimum of one 30-minute lesson per week during the school day for a complete school year. Each year, MFM volunteers bring music education to thousands of elementary school children.
Location
The MFM Volunteer Educator Program serves thousands of children in 12 school districts throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Lessons take place in a classroom once a week during the regular school day. Click here for participating schools.
Program Fees
Cost of providing the Music Educator Training, classroom support, resource room materials, ongoing education opportunities for docents, and program administration. Program billing to participating schools is done each January. MFM’s goal is to keep program fees as low as possible.
Music for Minors is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. MFM’s comprehensive music education program is made possible through financial support from program fees, foundation and corporation grants, and community and individual donors.
School Eligibility
Any elementary school in San Mateo or Santa Clara county that has limited resources or lack staff to adequately provide a regular music program in the primary grades is eligible for the MFM Volunteer Educator Program.
School Requirements
An important responsibility of the participating schools is to support and collaborate with MFM. Every effort will be made to match Trained Volunteer Educators with a participating school’s needs and schedule.
Download a copy of the Principal Agreement and Teacher Agreement.
MFM Commitment
Music for Minors is committed to restoring local elementary school music programs that have been eliminated or are at risk. MFM recruits, screens, trains, places, and supervises Trained Volunteer Educators to teach music in the classroom. MFM partners with volunteers and school staff to provide weekly, standards-based music instruction to children in participating schools. MFM supportsTrained Volunteer Educators through ongoing education, organizational events, access to resources and a communication network to enhance their professional skills and effectiveness in the classroom.
MFM’s goal is to develop a musical sensitivity and literacy in children, and to enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of music through participation in a variety of musical experiences.
Volunteer Requirements
Potential Trained Volunteer Educators must be able to carry a tune and preferably have some experience working with groups of children. They must attend and complete the MFM Training Program. After completion of training, volunteers will teach a minimum of one 30-minute class per week for the remainder of the school year. All successful volunteers are encouraged to continue on with MFM teaching music the following year.