Kids in a New Groove is an Austin-based nonprofit that mentors foster children through music and creates long-term relationships between needy youth and their teachers. Founded six years ago by Karyn Scott, the organization has grown significantly and helped hundreds of children, she said.
Kids in a New Groove mentors children through one-on-one music lessons.[/caption]
Claiming to be the only organization of its kind, Scott said KING distinguishes itself by training teachers to be mentors to the children first and music teachers second. This helps teachers and students establish a long-term relationship, which Scott said is the main goal.
“This is a great way to work with kids,” Scott said. “It’s an effective way to mentor kids with backgrounds of abuse and neglect.”
According to research from Germany, musical training improves academic performance and results in higher conscientiousness, openness and ambition, Scott said. Additionally, the children studied were about 15 percent more likely than non-musicians to show interest in attending college after high school. This scientific backing adds credibility to the KING program, Scott said.
“Music has more life-changing effects on youth than the other arts,” said Scott, who calls it rewarding to see participating children graduate high school, go to college or hold a job.
But the most fulfilling aspect of KING, according to Scott, is seeing the children express confidence. Watching participants perform in public or open for other musicians with confidence is an indicator the program is working, she said.
With continued success, Scott said she hopes to see the organization expand nationally. She is also working with a new executive director, Christine Kutnick, who wants to help grow the Austin-based program.
“We hope to have added 20 more kids by the end of the summer,” Scott said.
Kids in a New Groove mentors children through one-on-one music lessons.[/caption]
Claiming to be the only organization of its kind, Scott said KING distinguishes itself by training teachers to be mentors to the children first and music teachers second. This helps teachers and students establish a long-term relationship, which Scott said is the main goal.
“This is a great way to work with kids,” Scott said. “It’s an effective way to mentor kids with backgrounds of abuse and neglect.”
According to research from Germany, musical training improves academic performance and results in higher conscientiousness, openness and ambition, Scott said. Additionally, the children studied were about 15 percent more likely than non-musicians to show interest in attending college after high school. This scientific backing adds credibility to the KING program, Scott said.
“Music has more life-changing effects on youth than the other arts,” said Scott, who calls it rewarding to see participating children graduate high school, go to college or hold a job.
But the most fulfilling aspect of KING, according to Scott, is seeing the children express confidence. Watching participants perform in public or open for other musicians with confidence is an indicator the program is working, she said.
With continued success, Scott said she hopes to see the organization expand nationally. She is also working with a new executive director, Christine Kutnick, who wants to help grow the Austin-based program.
“We hope to have added 20 more kids by the end of the summer,” Scott said.
