MFM Volunteer Spotlight

Erik Chen

Erik Chen first trained as a docent in 2008.  He and his family live in Belmont, and he is employed full time by Google.  Initially Erik jumped in with MFM because he wanted to be sure that his own children would receive music education when they began school.  "If it takes me being there doing it, that’s what I’ll do.  Music is that important to me," he says.  With perfect pitch, and many years of playing piano and violin, Erik was also seeking a way to use his musical experience that had never been part of his professional life.

After two years of docenting at Montclaire Elementary in Los Altos, Erik started an MFM music education program in a new school for the 2010-2011 year.  His son began kindergarten in the fall at College Park Elementary, a Mandarin immersion school in San Mateo.  College Park has thus been the focus of Erik’s efforts as he has worked with the principal and PTA to secure approval and funding.  For the first year, he was able to recruit several docents to provide music for four full grade levels, and for the 2011-2012 year, the school has a comprehensive K through 5th program.  Although Erik’s kindergartner is unfortunately not receiving music at school this year (Erik himself is teaching 3rd grade), he jokes that his son has still benefited from MFM since he has been practicing his teaching with him for the past three years!

When asked to share a special docenting memory, Erik recalls an extremely withdrawn 2nd grader who entered his class mid-year.  She shied away from contributing ideas to zipper songs and did not want to be called upon in any way, but by the end of the year she was enthusiastically volunteering for solos.  "I did my job," Erik says, noting how music class truly made a difference in this child’s life.  Overall, he enjoys the rewarding times when—at the end of music time—the kids plead, "Can we sing this one more time?"

Erik contributes to MFM in multiple ways.  Last year, for example, he brought his classes to Redwood City to perform on stage with Red Grammer.  In addition, he demonstrated a music activity to engage and draw in potential volunteers.  He sees this as an investment in the future…more MFM docents mean that more children will be getting music.  Erik also has a blog where he keeps detailed teaching notes.  Check out  Teaching Music Through MFM.ORG for a sneak peak into an MFM music class, along with a valuable pool of activities and lessons.