Take Note's Impact
Take Note Colorado (TNC) has been connecting, convening, and catalyzing a diverse community of partners, investing more than $1 million dollars in accessible music education interventions, and opportunities to reach thousands of youth across Colorado.
Through these partnerships, we are grateful to have collaborated with over 100 partners that have been crucial to the mission’s success. Notable partners include the Bohemian Foundation, Colorado Music Educators Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, Youth on Record, Northwest Colorado Health, Denver Arts & Venues, and Music Will which has reached hundreds of teachers in more than 50 school districts. In addition, investment in many nonprofit, library and school district programs have provided songwriting, instrument lessons, and collaborative music-making, empowering young people to develop their artistic voices and build self-confidence through performance and creative exploration.
More formal partnerships have been established with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Colorado, Music Will, and Colorado State University (CSU) to expand the reach and impact of the Take Note’s mission. These ‘hub’ organizations are creating a broader network and model for growing music programs throughout the state.
Stories from the Field
The achievements of youth participation and success stories would not be possible without the support of our partners throughout the state.
Clubs strengthened community connections by collaborating with 10 local music partners, enriching the program with expertise and resources. These results underscore Take Note’s powerful impact in expanding musical skills and inspiring young people to embrace their creativity with confidence.
- The Boys & Girls Club of Colorado
Jack, Ali, Ava, Raylynn, and a handful of others each overcame their fear of singing in front of their peers and staff members—belting out impressive, original melodies and lyrics through the microphone on stage.
- The Boys & Girls Club of the High Rockies
We are committed to ensuring that the youth we serve graduate from high school and are ready to enter the workforce, and transition to college or enter advanced technical training and careers. Our programs empower teens in some of Denver and Aurora's most vulnerable communities to make life choices that positively impact their future by teaching them to develop the coping tools, inspiration, and wherewithal to succeed in today’s world and to become leaders of tomorrow.
- Youth on Record, Denver
During an open mic activity, Joseph expressed his desire to freestyle rap, despite never having performed in front of anyone before. With encouragement, he confidently improvised lyrics, and another member joined to spontaneously begin collaborating and composing an original song. Afterward, Joseph appeared visibly proud and more confident.
- The Boys & Girls Club of Pueblo County
By partnering with under-resourced schools without music programming, we make music education a reality for thousands of children who would otherwise have limited or no access to music education. Our programming uses evidence-informed strategies that address the difficulties of implementing and sustaining a comprehensive school music program.
- Education Through Music Colorado
“We know that anything is possible through music...Students have different access points to education...for many, it’s music.”
- Mandy Martinez, Education Through Music, partner school principal
“I definitely notice that now that we have music class, the school is definitely fun and brighter and people feel like music is a time to express themselves.”
- Student, Education Through Music partner school
Impact
Beyond skill-building, music education and engagement fosters confidence and personal growth with youth. Research shows that when music education is provided as part of the core curriculum, students have more motivation for school and experience an increase for both their self-confidence and their capacity to learn. Our partners have shown that the impact of this work reflects positive social-emotional impact, resiliency, increased academic success, career readiness, and increased economic stability in their lives.
- 94% of youth increased listening, decision-making, ,solving problems, and goal setting skills
- 93% of students agree they feel better about themselves and their futures
- 88% of participants agree that it has increased academic success and achievement
- 91% of youth are more confident in their ability to find a job
- 85% felt more satisfied with their musical abilities
- 64% of participants reported increased musical experience
- 83% expressed greater confidence
The State of Music Education Access 2023-2024
Music education access in Colorado is strong, with 95% of Colorado’s 881,464 public school students having access to some form of music instruction in their school districts. However, only 85% of Colorado’s school districts have a music instructor.
Approximately 35,377 public school students, spanning over 20 educational districts, currently lack any access to music education. Most of these districts have fewer than 200 students and are all in rural areas. In addition, approximately 65,788 of Colorado’s 947,252 school-aged children are not enrolled in public schools, and the status of their music education accessibility is unknown.
The most pressing challenges to equitable music education access include teacher shortages, lack of funding, and resource constraints in smaller districts. Many districts face resource limitations, including insufficient capital to build music classrooms, inadequate operating budgets to hire music staff, or a general lack of prioritization for arts education. Many rural districts rely on multi-subject teachers with little or no formal music training.
Although challenges remain, the future of music education in Colorado is promising. With 95% of students attending districts with at least one music teacher, the foundation for music education is solid. As many districts still face high student-to-teacher ratios or even no music education programs, there is room for improvement. By focusing on lowering the statewide music teacher-to-student ratio of 351:1 and continuing to address access in under-served areas, TNC plans to ensure year-over-year progress, ultimately creating a more inclusive and enriched music education for all students across the state.