The benefits of an afterschool music program for low-income, urban youth: The music haven evaluation project

Abstract

Aims: This study was an evaluation of an afterschool music program that serves primarily low-income, urban children, and adolescents. The evaluation examined academic and nonacademic outcomes through a mixed-method design. Methods: Focus group participants included 10 parents/caregivers and 8 youth. Focus groups yielded several themes regarding academic and nonacademic (musical skills, responsibility/discipline, self-efficacy, empowerment, social competence, and family bonding) benefits of involvement with the program. An annual questionnaire for the program was created based on these themes. Results: Fifty-three parents/caregivers completed the questionnaire and rated their children highly on all outcomes. The independent t tests revealed that lower-income students were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than higher-income students and that those children who attended the program more than three times per week were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than those who attended less. Conclusion: Implications of these results, particularly the need for increased access to afterschool music programs for low-income youth, are discussed.