Jon Nakamatsu
2001 Artistic Advisor, Cliburn Education Programs
Gold Medalist, 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano
Competition
We believe in the power of music and arts education to open
minds, change lives, and promote understanding between individuals
and across cultures. We believe that the study of music challenges
the intellect, fosters discipline, and nurtures the spirit. We seek
to enhance existing arts and academic curricula with ongoing
programs that allow students exposure to great music through
regular interaction with distinguished artists. We provide
opportunities for Van Cliburn Competition laureates to become more
deeply involved with education while inspiring a new generation of
performing arts audiences. We value the collaboration of all
educators and strive to show music's relationship to all
disciplines. We commit this service to youth in the hope that they
will find joy and meaning by discovering what music reveals both of
the self and of humanity.
Lynita Yarbrough
Parent
I was in the audience at Burton Hill Elementary today and was
very impressed with the Van Cliburn Foundation piano education
program. What a worthwhile initiative! This opportunity certainly
benefits many children as it allows them to grow musically.
Bravo!
Mark Chandler
Director of Visual and Performing Arts
Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District
The Musical Awakenings program offers our students in
HEB ISD an opportunity to see, hear, and actively be a part of a
musical experience that they likely would not otherwise be able to
experience. To have a talented artist come to our schools and sit
down at a grand piano, where the students can watch their fingers
and hear the tone and texture of the music, is very exciting for
them. Our students enjoy getting to ask questions and talk with the
artist and the facilitator; once again, an experience they would
likely not get to have on their own. We are so thankful for the
Musical Awakenings program and hope to be able to continue
enjoying this in HEB ISD schools.
Sherri Gardner
Senior Account Executive
KERA 13 and 90.1 KXT 91.7
I am so blown away by Musical Awakenings. Programs like
this bring hope for the future.
Donna Banks
Music Specialist
Washington Heights Elementary School, FWISD
Thank you for allowing my students to see the program How Low.
The students were amazed at the talent of both performers and loved
listening to the new music to find the piano parts and double bass
parts. If not for the Van Cliburn Foundation, most of my students
would not have the privilege to hear such talent, especially so
close and personal. Thank you for help bring music to life to the
children of Fort Worth ISD.
