Aims
This study was an evaluation of an afterschool music program that serves primarily low‐income, urban children, and adolescents. The evaluation examined academic and nonacademic outcomes through a mixed‐method design.
Methods
Focus group participants included 10 parents/caregivers and 8 youth. Focus groups yielded several themes regarding academic and nonacademic (musical skills, responsibility/discipline, self‐efficacy, empowerment, social competence, and family bonding) benefits of involvement with the program. An annual questionnaire for the program was created based on these themes.
Results
Fifty‐three parents/caregivers completed the questionnaire and rated their children highly on all outcomes. The independent t tests revealed that lower‐income students were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than higher‐income students and that those children who attended the program more than three times per week were rated higher on responsibility/discipline than those who attended less.
Conclusion
Implications of these results, particularly the need for increased access to afterschool music programs for low‐income youth, are discussed.
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