Mind Over Music®

A STEM Initiative: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math 

Mind Over Music® is a collaborative teaching initiative that pairs symphony musicians with classroom teachers to co-teach cross-curricular topics such as math, English, science, history, and social studies. This innovative program leverages the real-world experience of musicians to enrich classroom learning and support STEM education.

Program Design:

Mind Over Music® is designed to support teachers and align with school goals. Symphony musicians work closely with each teacher to tailor lessons to the subject matter, ensuring that the content is engaging and relevant to students. This adaptive approach allows for fluid lesson plans that respond to the unique dynamics of each classroom.

Mind Over Music fosters an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment where music serves as a bridge to integrate various academic subjects. 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to the Education & Community Engagement Department at [email protected] or (602) 452-0470.

Key Features:

  • Collaborative Lessons:
    • Musicians and teachers co-create multiple lessons throughout the school year, ensuring an integrated approach to teaching.
  • Professional Development:
    • Musicians and teachers participate in joint professional development sessions to enhance their collaborative teaching skills.
  • STEM Focus:
    • Lessons are designed using STEM practices such as observations, questions, predictions, modeling, problem-solving, and communicating results.
  • 21st Century Skills:
    • The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.

Lesson Examples:

  • Math Integration:
    • Fifth-grade students explore area and volume by measuring musicians and their instruments, then design a stage plot for the orchestra based on their calculations.
  • Music & Fractions:
    • Third-grade students learn to add fractions by using musical notes (half notes, quarter notes, etc.) to create their own measures of music.
  • Global Market Trends & Exploration:
    • High school students trace the scarcity of Pernambuco wood, used in top-quality violin, viola, and cello bows, back to the exploration of South America during the 16th century. 

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to the Education & Community Engagement Department at [email protected] or (602) 452-0470.

Maximize Your Impact —
Before December 31

As the year comes to a close, your charitable gift can make a meaningful difference and provide valuable tax benefits.

Your support of The Phoenix Symphony helps ensure music continues to inspire our community — from unforgettable performances and music education programs to compassionate hospice bedside visits that bring comfort when words fall short.

Make your year-end gift today and help us reach our $250,000 goal before midnight on December 31. Your contribution is be tax-deductible and can have an immediate impact on the music and programs you care about most.

Give before December 31 to make your impact count.

Scheduled Maintenance

Our ticketing system will be down from 5/1/25 at 9:00 PM through 5/2/2025 at 6:00 AM.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Help Us Reach $250,000 by December 31

Your gift to the Phoenix Symphony keeps music alive — from powerful performances and education programs to hospice bedside visits that bring comfort and connection when words fail. Give today and help us reach our $250,000 year-end goal before midnight, December 31.