MakeMusic Inc., creators of SmartMusic, have partnered with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to provide all LAUSD elementary, middle, and senior high school music teachers and students with subscriptions to the innovative web-based practice and assessment platform for remote learning.
“After vetting many music apps available to music educators, I am proud to announce that we will be collaborating with SmartMusic to continue our mission of offering high-quality music education to our students,” said Dr. Steven J. McCarthy, Director of Arts Education, Division of Instruction, Los Angeles Unified School District. “This decision is overwhelmingly supported by our music teachers in elementary, middle and senior high schools. We strongly believe that the brilliance of SmartMusic will enhance our amazing music programs throughout the District by providing our dedicated teachers with the necessary tools to meet the needs of both virtual, and when the time is right again, in-person music instruction.”
LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the nation, with more than 100,000 students participating in its music program, which forms part of the Arts Education branch. With Los Angeles being one of the hardest hit counties in the COVID-19 pandemic, and with virtual learning as its chosen direction to start the school year, SmartMusic is the natural solution for remote music instruction. The web-based practice tool offers a repertoire library, practice tools, and helps teachers connect with and track student progress.
“The SmartMusic team is tremendously honored to be able to support the teachers and students of LAUSD now and in the future,” said Johann Gouws, senior vice president, global customer team, MakeMusic. “Since the initial round of school closures, we have worked tirelessly to evolve and develop our music practice platform, allowing teachers and students to remain connected and continue sharing in the joy of making music — whether in person, or remote. We commend LAUSD for their proactive efforts to ensure educators are well equipped to address the unique challenges of the virtual music classroom. Through working together, we are committed to further advance SmartMusic as we support the needs of and collaborate with LAUSD teachers and students.”
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