Parent Perspective: DA Music Classes

When our youngest child, Luke, was first evaluated as being moderately to severely dyslexic, the testing specialist impressed upon us how impactful this was. She told us he would probably always struggle in an educational setting, would likely never read at grade level, would require additional time to complete assignments and tests and would be unable to acquire a foreign language or play a musical instrument. Millions of questions flooded my mind, but I was too overwhelmed to share them. When she left, I cried. 

After we found Denver Academy, Luke showed us the list of electives from which he could choose. He was immediately drawn to Drumline. I went into momentary panic remembering what I had heard about dyslexia and musical instruments. I signed off on the electives form and figured this was an experiment.

 

Since his first quarter at Denver Academy, Luke has not missed an opportunity to take a music class. He has taken Drumline three times, moving from bass to tom to snare, and has also taken Mallet Madness twice. Mr. Loose’s classes have been game changers. Recently my husband and I attended another performance by the middle school drumline, and I sat in awe as Luke didn’t miss a beat. I often think back to what the learning specialist said and the fear it caused. After seeing what Luke has accomplished over the past five quarters, however, I am no longer concerned about his chances with music. This is good news because next quarter he is taking Beginning Guitar.

Learn more about Denver Academy's music program here.