Education

Can music change a student’s life? Scores of research surrounding the impact of music education shows clearly that yes – involvement in music programs affects children in almost every area, including:

Music helps students succeed in school

Participation in school music programs correlates with better attendance,higher graduation rates, and stronger overall academic achievement.

Music rewires the brain for growth

Music education strengthens the brain’s wiring, encouraging flexibility and growth—especially in areas related to language and communication.

Music sparks creativity and critical thinking

Music students exhibit enhanced problem-solving, innovation, and creativity.

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I've taken my 5th graders to the Symphony for the past 3 years and they have loved it every time! Thank you so much for providing this opportunity for our students. For many of my students this was their first time ever hearing a live symphony.

- Music teacher, Fort Bend ISD

Our Commitment to Education

The music educators throughout Greater Houston are some of the best in the country, and we are committed to supporting the great work they do to change students’ lives.

Whether it’s a visit to the Symphony or a musician in the classroom, our goal is simple: to inspire students to begin or continue playing an instrument.

At the heart of our Education programs is the student experience at a full orchestra concert. These live performances spark curiosity, deepen learning, and inspire students to start—or stick with—their musical journeys. Each of our wrap-around programs are built to enhance students’ experiences at these concerts.

For more information on ticket discounts for students for our Classical, POPS, and Family concerts, visit our Ways to Save page.

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Opportunities like this are very eye-opening for our students, and they all were buzzing about the performance and pre-concert lecture. They are coming into rehearsals invigorated and are practicing even more.

–Orchestra Director, Klein ISD

Wrap-Around Education Programs

 
Designed to support band and orchestra programs and enhance student experience at Student Concerts, the Houston Symphony offers the following programs to various school partners in Greater Houston:

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Open Rehearsals

High school band and orchestra students are invited to observe the Houston Symphony at work during a live rehearsal. 

They hear directly from musicians or conductors about what to listen for and how a professional ensemble prepares.

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Chamber Coachings

Chamber music is an important part of students’ musical studies that is often rushed or left out.

Our Houston Symphony musicians know how valuable this work is to support students’ independence, musicality, and communication, and offer hands-on guidance in the artistry and teamwork of chamber music taking place in schools and community youth ensembles.

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Pre & Post-Concert Musician Visits

Before and after attending a student concert, select middle school band and orchestra classes receive visits from our Community-Embedded Musicians or orchestra members.

These interactive sessions help students connect what they hear in the concert hall to their own instruments and experiences in the classroom. Attending a Middle School Student Concert and interested in Pre/Post Visits? Email our Team at edce@houstonsymphony.org

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In School Performances

Small ensembles from the Houston Symphony bring live music straight into elementary and middle school classrooms.

These informal concerts are designed to inspire young musicians and help keep them engaged in music as they transition through elementary and middle school music programs.

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Salute to Educators

Each year, we honor the incredible music educators shaping Houston’s future musicians.

At the Salute to Educators concert, made possible by Spec’s Charitable Foundation, we offer free and discounted tickets to teachers and recognize an outstanding local educator during a special on-stage tribute.

Houston-area educators can sign up to receive updates about this program by joining our email distribution list, by visiting this link.

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Early Childhood Concerts

We are proud to partner with Prelude Music Foundation in their vision to partner with schools in Houston to bring research-based music education to support the development of PreK and Kindergarten age children in underserved communities.

Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musicians participate annually in “My First Orchestral Performance,” a playful and interactive concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre designed for children ages 0–6. Musicians help young kids explore music in ways that support their social, emotional, and academic growth—both at home and in the classroom. The concert is open to the public.

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Open Rehearsals are my favorite. My students are super attentive to what is happening on stage in context of what they are learning in the classroom. One of the rehearsals we attended this year featured the concertmaster leading the orchestra from her chair and I noticed my students implementing tools they say her use during the rehearsal in their own chamber rehearsals.

–Grace Lewis, Aldine ISD