How Funding Applies to MakeMusic Cloud
Federal funding, particularly through Title I, II, and IV programs, can be used to support music instruction, including the purchase and use of instructional software like MakeMusic Cloud. Use this guide to assist you in applying for funding for your program!
How MakeMusic Cloud Meets Title I:
Title I funds can be used for music education as long as they support academic achievement for students from low-income families. MakeMusic Cloud meets these requirements by doing the following:
- Supports Academic Achievement: MakeMusic Cloud offers interactive tools that support music literacy and enhance students’ academic performance in music and related subjects, improving student achievement.
- Accessible Differentiated Instruction: MakeMusic Cloud provides individualized practice tools, enabling teachers to tailor instruction to meet each student’s unique needs, which aligns with Title I’s focus on helping students struggling with academics.
- Engages Students: MakeMusic Cloud uses interactive features and captivating elements that motivate students to participate actively in music education, facilitating an engaging learning environment.
- Evidence-Based Resource: MakeMusic Cloud is a proven platform with effective tools for skill-building and assessment in music education and has been the subject of two research papers demonstrating its efficacy. [Research Paper A, Research Paper B]
- Improving Student Outcomes: MakeMusic Cloud enhances students’ literacy and mathematical understanding through rhythm, patterns, and music theory. Programs like MakeMusic Cloud link music education with academic skills that align with Title I’s goals of improving student outcomes.
How MakeMusic Cloud Trainings Meet Title II:
Title II funds can be used to support the professional development and effectiveness of educators, aiming to improve student academic outcomes. MakeMusic Cloud meets these requirements through:
- Professional Development: MakeMusic Cloud’s education specialists and clinicians provide training, workshops, and webinars for teachers and administrators, imparting a robust knowledge of the application and how to maximize its features and tools to ultimately improve instructional practices and student learning.
- Improving Instructional Practices and Skills: MakeMusic Cloud bridges the divide between music and technology. It is a proven tool for improving a student’s musical acumen and mastery of their instrument and a prime example of effective utilization of technology in the classroom. The associated training highlights new instructional techniques made possible through the application and technology, thus improving instructional practices.
- Differentiated Instruction. MakeMusic Cloud training assists teachers in assignment creation and sparking in-app lesson ideas, supporting the teacher’s efforts to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and interests, ensuring all students are engaged and supported.
- Blended and Digital Learning. MakeMusic Cloud professional development provides teachers and administrators with the skill set needed to integrate technology like MakeMusic Cloud, fostering hybrid and virtual learning environments that afford flexibility and personalization. These skills can be applied beyond MakeMusic Cloud.
How MakeMusic Cloud Meets Title IV:
Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides funding to support well-rounded educational opportunities, which specifically includes music. MakeMusic Cloud meets these requirements through the following:
- Promotes Well-Rounded Education: MakeMusic Cloud enhances music education by providing tools for developing musical skills and knowledge. Utilizing digital tools and software that offer engaging music lessons, promotes creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy, all of which support a well-rounded education.
- Increases Student Engagement: MakeMusic Cloud’s interactive features and personalized learning paths actively engage and motivate students to participate in music instruction.
- Supports Digital Learning: As a software solution designed for classroom music instruction, MakeMusic Cloud supports digital learning by integrating educational technology into the music curriculum.
- Provides Safe, Accessible Resources: MakeMusic Cloud offers a safe and equitable online platform accessible to students with various learning needs and economic backgrounds.
What Should Teachers Do Next?
- Work with Your Administration: Teachers should collaborate with school administrators to identify how instructional music software can fit within the goals of both Title I and Title IV programs.
- Demonstrate Academic and Educational Value: Ensure that the music software you plan to purchase demonstrates measurable benefits to student learning, especially in relation to Title I’s academic objectives and Title IV’s focus on well-rounded education.
- Apply for Funding: Work with your school or district to submit the necessary funding applications, highlighting how the software will support student learning outcomes.
Who Should Teachers Talk To?
FIRST: Speak with your . . .
1. School Principal
- Why: The school principal is typically involved in budgeting decisions and will know which administrators or coordinators handle Title I and Title IV funds.
- How: Set up a meeting or email your principal explaining your interest in using federal funds for instructional music software. Outline how it aligns with academic and educational goals.
2. Department Leader
- Why: Your department leader is also involved in budgeting decisions, especially those directly related to your discipline, and will likewise know who handles Title I and Title IV funds.
- How: Email or discuss with your department leader your interest in using federal funds for instructional music software, including information about how it aligns with academic and educational goals.
SECOND: Next, together with your principal or department head – or just yourself if they are not available to you – speak with your . . .
1. Contact the Title I Coordinator
- Why: Every school that receives Title I funds has a Title I Coordinator or an equivalent administrator. This person manages how the funds are allocated and can guide you on whether your proposal fits the school’s Title I priorities.
- How: Ask your principal or school office staff for the contact details of the Title I Coordinator. You can also check your school’s website or district directory for this information.
2. Consult the Federal Programs Director
- Why: At the district level, a Director of Federal Programs (or similar title) often oversees both Title I and Title IV funding. This person can provide information on district-wide policies and help you navigate the process of requesting funds for music software.
- How: Visit your district’s website or contact the district office to find out who manages federal programs. You can also ask your school principal for help identifying this person.
3. Reach Out to the School’s Technology Coordinator (for Title IV)
- Why: Since Title IV funds are often used for educational technology, the school’s Technology Coordinator may also be involved in allocating Title IV funding.
- How: Check with your school or district’s technology office for information on how to use Title IV funds for software purchases.
4. Attend School or District Budget Meetings
- Why: These meetings often include discussions about how Title I and Title IV funds are allocated. This is a great opportunity to learn more about funding priorities and present your case.
- How: Ask your principal or office staff when the next budget or funding meeting will be held, and whether you can attend or request an agenda item related to music education.
Beyond the Blog: Check out this brief webinar provided by NAfME and learn more about federal funding available for you and your program and how to access it!