I am a parent having 2 kids involved in IMC. My interaction with all person responsable in IMC give me impression of an organization going forward in Elizabeth Area, speaking of Arts.
My experience with The Institute of Music for Children is based on the perspective of being a teacher. Often times, teaching methods can be very ridged and not focused on the participant's enjoyment with their craft and lose focus on the main goal: to inspire young minds to explore and develop their talent. At The Institute of Music for Children, teachers are able to construct a lesson plan based on the student's artistic needs for growth and development while enjoying their learning experience.
I served on the Board of the Institute of Music for Children, Inc. for three years while I was interim pastor at Third-Westminster Presbyterian Church. I appreciated the high level of professionalism in the programs and classes offered to the children and the deep commitment toward the Institute of the board, the teaching staff, the parents, and the congregation. In three years, I saw children maturing in their personal and artistic growth. It is a wonderful program.
I am a proud volunteer to the Institute. For nearly 12 years, I have participated in planning fundraisers and helping hundreds of children in Elizabeth and the surrounding communities grow and florish the creative arts. There is no greater joy than to see a child who didn't think he or she could perform in front of an audience, do it was confidence and flair. It is an honor to be part of this life-affirming organization. MH Perkins
I worked with the Institute to bring arts programs to various non-profit organizations that service at-risk youth. In a short period of time, the director of the Institute was able to find talented artists to teach at different organizations. Throughout our program, the artists came on time and presented their knowledge in a manner that was both professional and appropriate to the kids they were serving. I continuously received extremely high remarks about the quality of instruction, both from the non-profit organization managers, staff, participants, and parents. Overall, I was always treated with professional and competent service when I worked with the institute. I rate them with the highest rating because my experience showed they could serve the youth with excellence and expertise.
I have been associated with the the Institute of Music for Children for the past seven years teaching HARP. In my class I teach my students according to their knowledge of music with the purpose to study, prepare and practice for their final semester performance. In class I guide my students to listen and learn from one another which promotes self-criticism and self-improvement. Even though none of my students own harps, their enthusiasm and commitment to do their very best is commendable. The institute is there for them to enrich their lives, to gain confidence, to seek achievement and to reward their merits. My personal reward lies in the knowledge that my students obtain every year as they further improve their skills at the harp.
I have been a board member for many years and was involved with the institute from the beginning - 15 years ago. My best experience with the institute, however, is a parent to one of the original students. Our daughter gained knowledge, friendships and experience as a student in the Institute and also contributed as a volunteer and as an instructor. A big part of what she is today is due, partially, to her experiences in this fine organization. The Institute offers opportunities for children in the Elizabeth area that would be difficult or impossible to get in any other way.
I had the honor and pleasure of teaching at the Institute of Music this past summer 09'. It was an elightening experience to teach children and adolescents who really and truly WANTED TO BE WRITING!!! The weather was hot and sticky, but these students still came...why? Because they knew they were in a safe environment with professional teachers. Teachers who walk the walk and really care....The final presentation at the end of the summer gave me a chance to glimpse my students growth and expance in other disciplines as well, like dance/movement, instrumental music (strings and percussion), acting, scriptwriting , singing, reading music.I can go on and on...What I'm really saying is I, myself grew watching the youth grow. I actually had the opportunity to meet parents and grandparents and others in the community who had taken part in each childs advancement up until this point. The Institute allowed me to watch each student GROW UP and mature in front of my eyes. I had a chance to see the WHOLE child, what a difference that made for me and for the students. Seeing the whole child allowed me to give them projects that would instill further discipline and creativity.
I have volunteered for various fund raising events for the Institute and I attended their 15th Anniversary Awards Gala. It was a night to remember. Students and teachers from the Institute performed and it was so impressive. I was validated in why I support this program. Not only does it give students the opportunity to grow as musicians but it helps them grow as individuals learning important life lessons such as confidence, presentation, self-expression, and a love for the arts!
The Institute brings a much needed voice to Elizabeth. It provides top notch arts instruction, but more importantly it invests in children: their confidence, their futures, their skills, their beautiful souls.
I have enrolled my two children in the institute for two years and the institute has helped build up my children's confidence in expressing themselves both in public speaking, arts and singing. My daughter has learnt through the institute to speak more clearly - she competes in Speechmeets with students from all over New jersey. My son is very confident when it comes to speaking acts, multi tasking - he plays the drum,plays the piano and loves drama. The teachers are very good and really go out of their way to make sure the students understands the concept.
I have been involved with the Institute since its inception. As a member of the church that founded it, I was involved in ensuring that the program had the space and funds needed to carry out its mission. I am a board member and am proud to be involved in the growth of the Institute and to see how we are impacting the lives of the families we serve and the community.
I took a drum class at School 23 with Mr. Rudy. I liked it and wanted to go again. The teacher was awesome to work with. It was fun playing the drums. I learned discipline. I feel differently by playing with drums and learning new things. I feel differently about music because I thought music was boring and and a waste of time, but now I love music. I want to get another pair of drumsticks so I can share with my cousin. Drums makes me feel good.
We have an excellent experience in The Institute of Music, my daughter really love it, they are very well organized and is so good to know that here in Elizabeth we have this affordable place for our kids to learn and appreciate arts. We encourage our friends to give the opportunity to their children to discover new talents in a professional environment. Education is the best gift you can give to your children, do it in The Institute of Music.
The Institute is professional and well organized. We have partnered with 2 of their artists to enrich children both artistically and educationally. The artists connected well with the diverse kids, and handled all issues with ease and experience. When we finish a program, the kids always ask for more! Thank you!