The program aims to boost music education by providing disadvantaged children with the benefits of piano playing, like improved mental wellness and academic performance.
Photo Credit: Playing for Change – Official
In a commendable initiative aimed at enhancing music education in disadvantaged UK schools, Casio Music UK and Manchester City footballer Nathan Aké are expanding their Playing for Change program. This initiative, which launched successfully in Manchester, resulted in the donation of ten Casio CDP-S110 pianos across six schools. The program’s expansion will see a pair of digital pianos donated to needy UK educational institutions each month for a full year.
Aké, who is not only a footballer but also an avid piano player, strongly advocates the manifold benefits of playing the instrument. These benefits range from improved mental wellness and physical health to increased concentration levels. During a visit to East Manchester Academy, where he personally delivered two pianos, the soccer player emphasized how piano playing positively influenced his football career.
In his words, “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the gift of music, regardless of their background, and I’m proud to be working with Casio to make that a reality. Learning to play the piano during lockdown was a revelation for me. It gave me a sense of calm and focus during a difficult time, and it continues to bring me joy and stress relief, especially between games.”
The Playing for Change initiative aims to democratize music education, previously a luxury for well-off children. It strives to offer the benefits of music learning, such as social skills, physical dexterity, discipline, and academic enhancement, to underprivileged children.
Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Through Playing For Change we aim to level the playing field, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of music making and unlock their full potential.”
The Playing for Change program invites nationwide applications to improve music education and instrument availability. Visit the Casio website for details.
