A Recent National Study Confirms Music’s Benefits to Children

Although she now plays throughout the world for presidents and dignitaries — and on April 27th will play a record tenth performance at Carnegie Hall — world class concert pianist Katya Grineva’s musical calling almost went unheard. Had she not been asked to tag along with neighbors to their audition at a local Moscow music school when she was just five years old, the now renowned classical artist may never have had the opportunity to sit before a piano to play.

A recent national study confirms that exposure to music offers children tangible cognitive benefits. In a three year study conducted by Dana Arts and Cognition Consortium, a team of neuroscientists from seven respected U.S. universities aimed to "grapple with the question of why arts training have been associated with higher academic performances." The results of the study released in March found that "in children, there appears to be specific links between the practice of music and skills in geometrical representation."

Seeking to expose as many children as possible to the beauty and benefits of classical music, Ms. Grineva, together with Monster, the leading online global careers network, will conduct three performances for the children at the Police Athletic League’s Duncan Center the week of April 21, 2008. These performances will serve to introduce the children of New York to the many attributes of classical music. A beautiful grand piano will be provided for these events, courtesy of Beethoven Pianos in Manhattan.

"It is my desire that by giving these children the opportunity to hear the genius of composers such as Chopin and Ravel, we can unleash a lifetime love of classical music among many of these PAL students," said a hopeful Ms. Grineva.

"It is possible that this initial exposure to classical music could unveil another gifted young pianist, whose talents, like Katya, would have otherwise gone unrecognized," added Monster CEO Sal Iannuzzi. "I am proud to be a part of these wonderful events that have the potential to impact these PAL children in a very positive way. At Monster, our passion is to connect people of all ages to real world opportunities that can help them achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Through Katya’s example, an entire new generation of young children can be inspired to strive to reach their highest potential."

Thanks to Monster, all children who attend these performances will be given free tickets for themselves and a parent to attend Ms. Grineva’s 10th Anniversary Carnegie Hall performance on Sunday, April 27, 2008. This special anniversary performance has been made possible through the platinum sponsorship of Monster and the gold sponsorship Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Corporation, as well as several other New York area companies.

Joining the PAL children at the event, will be several children afflicted with type 1, diabetes. The proceeds to Ms. Grineva’s Carnegie Hall performance will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF).

"It is important that our PAL kids recognize that they have the opportunity to reach their highest potential through hard work and effort," said Duncan Center Director Kathryn Wright. "All children face obstacles in life, like these children with type 1, diabetes, but that should never keep them from believing that they can achieve their dreams and contribute greatly to society."

The Police Athletic League, founded in 1914, has been serving New York City’s young people for more than 90 years. Throughout that time PAL’s mission remained unchanged — to inspire, support and motivate New York City youth using recreation, socialization, education and the arts to help them realize their individual potential and become productive members of society.