Casio Puts The Spotlight On Education During 'Music in Our Schools' Month

DOVER, N.J., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., a leading electronic musical instrument provider, is encouraging people to celebrate 'Music in Our Schools' month this March in order to refocus attention on the need for music education in schools across the nation. For decades Casio has committed itself to providing educators and students with quality electronic musical instruments to inspire a passion to learn and love music in and out of the classroom. 'Music in Our Schools' month was designated as a month long celebration of school music by The National Association for Music Education in March of 1985.

When it comes to making tough budgetary decisions for schools, unfortunately many administrators are forced to cut vital programs like music and the arts. However, the benefits of music education should not be overlooked, and experts are raising their voices to prove that the arts in education are essential for children's brain development and innovation. Recent studies have shown learning to play musical instruments enhances coordination, improves time management skills, stimulates creativity and helps to develop motor functions.

"Music education inspires creativity and fosters critical thinking among students not only in the arts, but across all categories of learning," said Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio's Electronic Musical Instruments Division. "Research-based evidence of music's vital impact on development drives our commitment to create quality instruments and features that make learning fun while not straining an educator's budget."

As part of Casio's commitment to music education, the company recently donated six Workstation WK-225 digital keyboards to the new arts-integrated PS 532 New Bridge Elementary School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY in order to assist in launching a keyboard program for the young students. The WK-225 portable keyboard is especially suited for education as it features a 76-Key Piano Style Touch Response Keyboard, Step-up Lesson System, a 5-track recorder, audio inputs for an MP3 player and a class compliant USB port for MIDI.

Designed to engage students on deeper level, Casio's electronic musical instruments offer a comprehensive feature set geared to enrich the learning experience. Several keyboard models are equipped with Casio's Step-up Lesson System, which enables beginners to learn 152 built-in songs phase-by-phase at their own individual pace.  With the LCD display, students can learn both music notation and correct hand positioning, while Casio's innovative lesson system evaluates performance so users can track their progress. With the lighted key keyboards, students can practice with the help of the lighted 61-Key Piano Style Touch-Response keyboard making learning both fun and entertaining.

To learn more about Casio portfolio of electronic musical instruments and education initiatives, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.