Evaluation
In 2009, Community MusicWorks completed an 18-month participatory program evaluation designed and implemented by the consulting firm WolfBrown, and funded by The Rhode Island Foundation.
Click here to learn more about the evaluation process and findings, and to experience the data firsthand.
Click here to download the full report.
The evaluation found that, when students are highly engaged with the program, CMW helps them forge a motivated, curious, and engaged inner life, and fosters qualities of persistence, musicianship, personal agency, and participation in a wider world. There is evidence that even outside of CMW programming, music becomes an organizing force in students’ lives, focusing their activities and relationships. The program can also result in young people learning habits of hard work, investment, and mutual responsibility.
The key questions for CMW are how more students can become persistent and engaged in deep and lasting ways. Based on suggestions from the evaluation, CMW is working to increase practicing, make progress markers clearer, encourage family participation, and create outside performing opportunities. We are also expanding opportunities for students to become involved outside of their weekly lessons: in addition to offering Music Lab, Fiddle Lab, and Phase I Orchestra supplemental classes, CMW is developing a Media Lab program to engage students in learning digital media and documenting CMW activities.