Educational Curriculum:
Finding Rhythm: A Journey Through The Musical Brain is an educational curriculum for elementary students, based on the children's musical that fuses brain science with an original score inspired by Washington DC's Go-Go music. A Growing Brains Production featuring D.C. artists, Finding Rhythm teaches children how rhythm grows the brain, builds skills in listening, empathy and cooperation, and helps them find the source of their individual power and their connection with community.
Academic Background
The Finding Rhythm “Mini PhD” draws upon the fields of music neuroscience, evolutionary biology, music performance & pedagogy, history of the African Diaspora, and a trauma-informed approach to mindfulness and empathy. The curriculum, inspired by DC’s go-go music, teaches how rhythm grows the brain, and builds connection.
Levels: Elementary + High School
Modules: Rhythm and the Brain, Rhythms of go-go, youth go-go song performance
Music: Soul. Beat. Connection. + more
National Standards
Aligned with over 20 Next Generation Science Standards, National Core Arts and Common Core Literacy Standards.
Plus: Mindfulness, Antibias Practice, Socioemotional Skills, Self-Regulation
Sample Unit Overview:
LESSON 1: Rhythm Grows Your Brain!
LESSON 2: The rhythms of go-go
LESSON 3: SOUL. BEAT. CONNECTION performance
LESSONS 4-6: Listening for Mindfulness, Neuroplasticity, Empathy + Antibias work
Plus SCHOLARLY WORKS for deeper study and teaching aids