As a musician and a music teacher, Andrew Ruoti enjoys the best of both worlds.
That’s not just in reference to the two songs his students are rehearsing for upcoming performances: “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears.
Music has had a big impact on his own life, and he gets to share that with his students, who in turn reap its benefits.
“A big focus I put on the program is how music can be a vehicle for self-expression,” Mr. Ruoti said, adding that it can also be a supplemental support piece for students.
Mr. Ruoti teaches students in the Therapeutic Support Program at SWBOCES’ Irvington Middle-High School and three other Center for Special Services locations. His classes on a recent morning were effectively band practices—and the band sounds great.
“Let’s get a soundcheck real quick, guys,” Mr. Ruoti says as students settle in. One asks if they can run through “On Top of the World.”
“Yeah, let’s go for it!” he replies.
As the song progresses, one student picks a tasteful melody on a classical guitar while another sings. Rhythm guitars strum while the bass line fits like a glove with the beat of the program’s new electronic drum kit.
“Playing in front of an audience, that’s a skill too, Mr. Ruoti says when the song ends.
The Irvington students are working on recording their parts utilizing digital audio workstation (DAW) software to be played as a backing track at St. Matthew’s School’s end-of-year recognition.
Next, several students traded guitars for drums or bass for keyboards. The transition is seamless. Mr. Ruoti likes to expose his students to multiple instruments.
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is an 80s pop staple that’s recently seen a resurgence. It’s a more challenging arrangement, but clearly this wasn’t their first rehearsal.
Unlike sports, music isn’t a competition. Mr. Ruoti complimented Matthew’s singing after he followed another vocalist. “She sounded good too,” Matthew was quick to add.
In another class, a quartet of sixth-graders got set up. One of them, Eli, from Blind Brook, shared his thoughts on music.
“I always wanted to play electric guitar because it’s always been the coolest instrument to me,” he said, then putting it in words that must be music to his teacher’s ears: “It’s cool to be able to come to school and do this.”
Earlier, 9th grader Megumi from Irvington played a cream-colored stratocaster he picked up two years ago, inspired by his jazz-loving grandfather—though his tastes lean toward heavy metal— and multi-talented sister.
“I usually prefer playing alone,” he says. “I find music helps you. You don’t have to say a word, and you can describe how you’re feeling.”
In the back of the room, two girls trade guitar licks and pop lyrics.
Dani, from Eastchester, says he gave up the guitar for a while but picked it back up again.
“I think what got me back into it was how it helped get me out of a bad place in my life,” she said.
Giselle, from Yonkers, is inspired by Lady Gaga to become a working musician one day.
“I love learning new things in this class,” she said. “I’ve become more comfortable singing. This class, I think, gives me hope for the future.”