Opera to Grow On
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Welcome, Parents!

SMART Opera believes opera is for everyone, and we hope to encourage your child’s interest in music and opera.  If you are new to opera, we hope this site will be a resource for you.  We invite you to learn more about SMART Opera, but more importantly, to learn more about music and opera in general so you too can experience the fun along with your children!

Did you know?

A research team reports that early music training dramatically enhances children's abstract reasoning skills. These findings indicate that music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, chess, science and engineering.
- From Neurological Research, Feb 28, 1997; Frances Rauscher, Ph.D., Gordon Shaw, Ph.D, University of California, Irvine

A two-year Swiss study involving 1,200 children in 50 schools showed that students involved in the music program were better at languages, learned to read more easily, showed an improved social climate, showed more enjoyment in school, and had a lower level of stress than non-music students.
-Weber, E.W., Spychiger, M. & Patry, J.L. (1993)

In a 1999 Columbia University study, students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident, and better able to express their ideas. These benefits exist across socioeconomic levels.
- The Arts Education Partnership, 1999.

A ten-year study indicates that students who study music achieve higher test scores, regardless of socioeconomic background.
- Dr. James Catterall, UCLA.

These are just a few of the countless benefits your child will enjoy through music study, participation, and appreciation.  Plus, it’s FUN!  What more could you want?  We urge you to encourage and support your child’s interest in music, and we invite you to use SMART Opera as a resource and a teaching partner along the way. 
Opera is for a lifetime, not just for a minute.
~Dame Kiri te Kanawa
Picture
SMART Opera co-founder Erin Hanson in performance with the Texas State Opera Theatre.

Links to Learn More!

Opera 101
A Brief History of Opera
FAQs
Opera in Central Texas
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