January 31, 2023 | As you approach the music classroom of Corpus Christi Catholic School, you can already start to hear the strumming of the ukuleles and the sound of singing. 

“It's a joy walking into that room,” said school Principal Kelly Kearney. “I just I love it, it's joyful.”

That's where you will find Matthew Jones teaching students in sixth through eighth grade how to play the ukulele. 

“Everybody's first experience with music is singing something. When you give someone a ukulele that is just in their hands, it trains their hands similar to the way a flute does, but nothing is preventing you from singing and you get that experience as well,” he said.  

Jones, calls his music program, Uke Can Play. It’s a well-developed music curriculum for teaching students to play the ukulele with simple instruction.

“I thought, maybe there's a way to approach music from the angle of somebody who is listening and creating music. And then later, if you want to learn the rules, once you have a foundation and an ability to express yourself musically, then the rules are going to follow,” he said.

Jones was recently recognized as an exceptional educator who is creating a lasting educational impact through grassroots innovation by the FACTS Teacher Innovation Award sponsored by FACTS Education Solutions.

He was one of the hundreds of teachers across the country nominated for the award which shines a light on creative teachers making a difference through bold initiatives.

“The innovation is the teaching to a large group of students all at once,” said Jones. “I think that I've cracked the code a little bit on how to bring this to the large group setting.”

During music instruction, the class can learn to play an entire song as a whole, with each student playing at their own individual level.

 “I really like music. The ukulele is small, and I find it easier than a guitar. It's very fun,” said Dayana, a seventh grader at the school.

Catholic education has a long legacy of being well-rounded and helping children develop in a variety of different ways, including music education.

“Many of our students, especially here in our school, are not able to afford outside lessons which are very expensive for families. So, giving them the opportunity here is extremely important to me as a principal. I think when you look at a music teacher who's so passionate about music, it's important to him too,” said Kearney.

To see a list of the winners and for more information about the award and Mr. Jones’ submission visit  https://factsmgt.com/innovation-awards/.