### Merging Music and Technology: The Pioneering Curriculum at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music
In an unprecedented endeavor, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) in New Orleans has woven coding into its music curriculum, thanks to a collaboration with tech leader Apple. This creative strategy not only enriches students’ musical education but also prepares them with vital skills for the digital era.
#### An Exceptional Curriculum
At EMCM, students participate in four classes daily: piano, homework assistance, their selected instrument, and coding. The requirement of piano as a core subject stems from the conviction that a robust grasp of music theory and adept listening skills is crucial for all musicians, independent of their primary instrument. Executive Director Lisa Dabney asserts, “The essence of the center’s curriculum is our founder’s conviction that true understanding of music starts with learning to listen.” This foundational methodology guarantees that every student nurtures a profound bond with music.
#### The Significance of Coding in Music Education
The coding aspect of the curriculum emerged directly from EMCM’s partnership with Apple, initiated in 2019. This collaboration has enabled the center to broaden its program, introducing technology-centered courses that enhance its prestigious music education. Dabney articulates, “For us, it’s all interconnected — it forms part of a digital tapestry.” By integrating coding with music, EMCM seeks to bridge the digital gap and give students access to technology and varied career avenues in music technology and beyond.
Students at EMCM make use of Apple’s Everyone Can Code and Swift Playgrounds platforms in the center’s Mac lab, mastering coding fundamentals applicable in various scenarios. Furthermore, they have the chance to produce their own music tracks using professional software like GarageBand and Logic Pro. Each student is provided with an iPad each semester, allowing them to hone their skills outside the classroom.
#### Broadening Career Paths
The aspiration is that by teaching students both music theory and sound engineering, EMCM will equip them for a wide array of career options upon graduation. This holistic approach not only cultivates musical ability but also promotes creativity and technical skills, which are essential in today’s music landscape.
#### Community Impact and Arts Diversion Initiatives
Apple’s engagement in New Orleans goes beyond EMCM. The organization has also spotlighted the Young Artist Movement (YAM), an arts education and workforce development initiative targeting youth aged 14 to 22. YAM offers opportunities for young individuals, especially those having faced legal challenges, to partake in art as a diversion from criminal activities. The program instructs mural-making and enables participants to create public artworks, enhancing community ties and personal expression.
The initiative was inspired by retired Judge Arthur Hunter and artist Ron Bechet, who acknowledged the capacity of art to act as an alternative route for vulnerable youth. Hunter remarks, “It’s not merely about the art — it’s an economic opportunity as well, where they should be enabled to earn a living through their talent.” This dual emphasis on artistic expression and economic potential emphasizes the transformative influence of the arts in shaping lives and communities.
#### Conclusion
The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music’s pioneering curriculum, integrating music education with coding and technology, signifies a progressive method to prepare students for the future. By nurturing creativity and technical capabilities, EMCM is not only cultivating the forthcoming generation of musicians but also inspiring them to explore a range of career paths in a digitalized world. Through collaborations with entities like Apple and community-centric programs such as YAM, EMCM is making notable advancements in enhancing the cultural framework of New Orleans while providing essential support to its young people.
For additional details about this initiative and its effects on students, you can find the complete information [here](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/new-orleans-students-showcase-their-creativity-with-ipad-and-mac/).
