Opus 118

"The Music of the Heart"

For anyone unfamiliar with Opus118, it centers on the life and work of Roberta Guaspari and her dedicated efforts to instruct elementary school students in East Harlem. A group of Opus children performed with renowned members of the Opus Advisory Board for the movie premiere in New York. Shortly after its filming, former New York Chancellor Rudy Crew restored funding for Ms. Guaspari and two other Opus teachers.

The FSL highly recommends this movie to all ages. "Music of the Heart" can be purchased at Amazon.com

Learning a musical instrument is a unique way of exposing children to beauty.

Music education is a prime tool to awaken creativity and to teach concentration and focus.

Focused study of a musical instrument affects a student's academic performance in other subject areas in a positive way.

Structured musical activities for students during the non-school hours are a means of preventing violence and drug abuse.

Music is an instrument of peace, allowing students an emotional release in a time of social conflict and stress while teaching tolerance in a diverse community.

In preparing young minds for a complex world, music education serves not only as a means to teach collaboration and cooperation, but also as a guide in solving complex problems.

Music education creates and expands horizons for children who would otherwise lack the opportunity to experience the benefits that are derived from such an education.