Paul Babcock, CEO of McPhail Center for Music; introduced by Ron Usem
Paul is an active teacher and performing percussionist.
The McPhail Center for Music was founded 112 years ago by violinist William McPhail, who was also one of the founders of the Minneapolis Orchestra in 1903.
From the 1920’s to the 60’s it was known in high regard as the “Julliard of the West”
McPhail died in 1962 and gifted the school to the University of MN and was repurposed to become a continuing education and community music school.
The center became an independent not-for-profit organization in 1994; which turned out to be the best move to support the growth of the school.
The Center’s original building outlived its usefulness – “it would be difficult to turn a toaster into a microwave” and a new building was constructed near the river off Washington Ave downtown.
The McPhail Center for Music has become the largest Community Music education school in the US – their mission is “Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities through Music Experiences that Inspire."
The Center features “Learning across Lifespan” programs:
Ages 6 weeks to 100+ years old
In-school instruction
Individual and Group Instruction
Summer Camps
Music for Life – 55+
Music Therapy
The Center has 5 locations
Minneapolis
Chanhassen
Apple Valley
White Bear Lake
Austin
Other facts and figures:
127 Community Partnerships for music education.
240 Teaching artists.
Online and on-demand programs.
30% of annual income derived from individual and philanthropic donations.
6500 total students.
Early Childhood Education Music and Learning Research.
“Sing, play, learn” program.
Supported by General Mills research grant.
5 year study; subjects from lower income area (Frogtown).
Improved pre-K readiness 4 times over the control group.
The Center was among the first schools to implement “The Suzuki Method” of music teaching developed in post WWII Japan. 800 students currently in program.
“Mother Tongue” method of teaching – teacher plays along with student. Similar to martial arts training. Use the Teacher-Student-Parent triangle strategy.
Former student is Pete Doctor of Pixar Animation – “Monsters Inc.” movie director.
Individual Instruction Services.
2800 Students (including Ron Usem).
35 Instruments taught.
Group instruction.
1000 Students.
90 Classes.
Music therapy program
650 Clients.
10 Board Certified therapists.
Use of music to improve cognitive development – Paul told of example of a student with autism who learned to play guitar that led to huge improvements in academic. .achievement.
School Partnerships – Augmenting existing School Music Programs.
Metro area uses in-person instructors.
3000 students supported.
24 schools.
Out-state uses video conference.
1000 students supported.
30 rural, out-state schools.
Showed video of Thief River falls HS learning a new African themed choir song
State Education Grant supported program.
Music for Life Program
2100 Participants.
Tailored for senior and assisted living residences.
30 partnerships.
Alzheimer’s choir – Ordway performance.
Showed that people with Alzheimers and cognitive impairments can still learn new things.
Austin location – new program.
Music education for multi-cultural students.
Supported by the Hormel Foundation.
1500 students.
New building, shared with the Austin Public Schools.
In summary, William McPhail and the founding of the McPhail Center is a great entrepreneurial story and won of the great treasures of the Minnesota Arts Community
