Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS Western Reserve’s “In Tune: Everyday Music” Brings Standards-Aligned Music Education to Children in Grades K–3
Kent, Ohio — Jan. 20, 2025 — PBS Western Reserve is helping young learners discover the power of music with “In Tune: Everyday Music,” a free, multi-media series designed for students in grades K–3. The program blends music fundamentals and real-world connections into short, engaging video lessons and educational activities that fit seamlessly into classrooms or family time.
Aligned with Ohio’s K–3 learning standards, “In Tune: Everyday Music” features video lessons hosted by local musicians Jake Kouwe and Esther Fitz, who guide learners through core musical concepts with fun demonstrations and real-world examples. Lessons explore music fundamentals, including sound and vibration, woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, bands and ensembles.
The multi-media series also features simple, fun activities that put learning into practice using minimal materials. No instruments are required, making the lessons adaptable for classrooms, after-school programs and at-home use.
Teachers will appreciate the accompanying teacher guide, created by and for educators. The comprehensive guide makes lesson planning easy with clear instructions and ready-to-use materials. For parents and caregivers, the series provides a meaningful way to support children’s creativity and academic growth at home.
“As a career educator and former public-school teacher of 20 years, I knew it was important for the series and teacher guide to be as approachable as possible for parents and teachers alike,” said Holly Cartwright, PBS Western Reserve’s chief education officer. "We had a lot of fun developing the project and know kids will have even more fun with the activities."
“In Tune: Everyday Music” is only the latest educational multi-media series from PBS Western Reserve, following the K–6 series “Everyday Writing with Coach Write” and a long legacy of projects made possible by the Multimedia Production Project Grant, a joint initiative among Broadcast Educational Media Commission, Ohio's Public Television Stations, and the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce.
Whether introducing a future musician to the basics or simply adding a playful soundtrack to everyday learning, “In Tune: Everyday Music” makes music education approachable and fun. Educators and families can see the full series and teacher guide now at PBSWesternReserve.org.
About PBS Western Reserve
PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. We present to our region cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of our youth.
PBS Western Reserve is made up of two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on the two stations.
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