Casio America, Inc. Launches New Music Education Initiative

Casio America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of some of the industry’s most progressive, feature rich keyboards and digital pianos, has launched an initiative focusing on music education with the help of Sandra Kilpatrick Jordan at NAMM 2014. Educators attending the 2014 NAMM event can register to win their own Privia PX-350 digital piano, meet the Casio team and pick up a Casio information package on Saturday and Sunday at booth #5900.

“Casio has always been present in schools, as its affordable weighted-key Privia piano is a staple for many school music departments,” said Ms. Jordan, a leader in music education advocacy and former associate of PBS’ Sesame Street and NAMM. “The difference now is that Casio is making a concentrated effort to build its relationships with these educational institutions and really address educators’ needs in a more direct way.”

She continues, “With many areas in the nation prioritizing a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to STEAM (including the Arts) approach, it is acknowledged that arts in education are extremely important for brain development and innovation. And today’s music students deserve access to learning music fundamentals with the piano, even in elementary school. We are proud to assist schools in refreshing their programs to address these increased needs.”

It has long been acknowledged that piano instruction sets the stage for further musical learning and development. Casio keyboardsoffer an excellent value and a durable solution for instruction that stand up to the heavy use these instruments endure in school keyboard labs.

“In Nashville, students experience both a traditional music curriculum as well as a contemporary curriculum track that uses new technologies and reflects a diverse musical landscape.” said Dr. Nola Jones, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. “The piano offers a strong foundation for music learning in any setting, and children need access to the instruction and inspiration it provides.”

As a first step in the new initiative, Casio has donated six WK-255 digital keyboards to the new arts-integrated PS 532 New Bridge Elementary School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY in order to assist in launching a keyboard program for the young students. TheWK-225 portable keyboard is especially suited for education as it features a 76-Key Piano Style Touch Response Keyboard with 600 onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms, and Reverb plus Chorus Digital Effects. It also includes Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, a 5-track recorder, audio inputs for an MP3 player and a class compliant USB port for MIDI.

“Our goal at Casio is to make learning music more accessible for everyone and we are excited to continue to dig in and make a difference in music education,” adds Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio’s Musical Instrument Division. “With the addition of Sandra Jordan and our new programs for music education dealers, we are confident that Casio’s increased presence in music education will benefit teachers and students, who can now have access to our feature-rich, quality instruments that meet the standards of music educators.”

To find out more about Casio Musical Instruments, visit www.casiomusicgear.com.