“We teach one concept in several different ways,” said Alex Barnett, of Mankato, who has performed with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra as well as the Minnesota Opera Chorus and teaches drums during Franklin’s summer program. “We can cater to all different types of learners.”

But Scripp and his music education aren’t out to prove that music is the sole solution to higher achievement. Instead, Scripp said he wants to prove that a sustainable and integrated fine arts program can benefit all students across all disciplines.

But those words — sustainable and integrated — are the keys.

To ensure sustainability, Scripp’s curriculum provides staff development and training opportunities. To ensure integration, teachers are trained to teach musical concepts in a way that draws on the content of other disciplines (for example: using an x-y grid to read music or using drum beats to work on language phonemics).

“There’s been more research on music than on any other art form,” Scripp said. “Now, it’s about using that research to adapt school policy.”

When the summer music program concludes on Aug. 20, students will hold a concert for parents that will showcase both musical and academic skills.

Instruments for the program were provided by Joe Meidl of Music Mart.