ArtSmart

ArtSmart transforms the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the U.S. through tuition-free music lessons and mentorship by paid, professional artists. Its music mentorship framework is designed to provide youth a pathway to academic, economic, and emotional stability by harnessing the proven cognitive and social-emotional benefits of these opportunities. ArtSmart empowers its students to succeed in all facets of life by equipping them with the tools and meaningful relationships critical to their creative, personal, and educational growth.

Through weekly one-to-one and small group sessions over a school year, ArtSmart students receive instruction and mentorship from professional musicians. Using an evidence-based curriculum, ArtSmart teaching artists, titled the Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors, work with their students to set goals, learn music, develop a healthy self-esteem and ultimately, chart a course for the rest of their lives.

Committed to measuring its impact, in 2023 ArtSmart concluded a two-year longitudinal study in partnership with the WCG Institutional Review Board. The study showed a causal link between ArtSmart participation and increased plans to attend college, having a meaningful connection with an adult, and having an adult to talk to when stressed or having problems.

Key findings showed the ArtSmart programs achieved their intended impact and had a transformative effect on student outcomes beyond learning music. One of the most positive correlations from the study is around interest to attend school: ArtSmart students are 3.6 times more excited to go to school on their lesson days than on an average school day. When students are excited to come to class, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning. Not only does this encourage participation and critical thinking, it also creates a more positive learning environment.

Learn more at www.artsmart.org.