Abner Bonifacio: Vocal Performance at Montclair University

Abner Bonifacio immigrated from Brazil to the United States in high school. He knew hardly anyone and did not speak English. After being recommended for voice lessons by his choir teacher at Eastside High School in Newark, New Jersey, Abner’s dedicated ArtSmart mentors Tom Mulder and Chad Armstrong supported Abner during this life transition. ArtSmart singing lessons helped him quickly learn English and bond with his new community. Today Abner attends the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, where he is pursuing a vocal performance degree.

Abner recounted his ArtSmart experience: “For me, it was very hard. I am coming to a new country without knowing anybody, without knowing the language. I was leaving my family back; I was leaving my friends. I didn’t know English at all. When you have your one-to-one lessons, it’s only you and your teacher. His focus is on you. Every time I have lessons with him, I feel like I am learning more and more. ArtSmart is not just about learning technique or music; ArtSmart is more about connecting the music to your soul.”

Crucial Relationships

In June 2023, ArtSmart concluded a two-year longitudinal study in partnership with the WCG Institutional Review Board to evaluate its impact on student social, emotional, and academic outcomes. Key findings showed the ArtSmart programs achieved their intended impact and had a causal effect on student outcomes beyond learning music.

The study shows a causal link between ArtSmart participation and increased plans to attend college, having a meaningful connection with an adult, and having an adult to talk to when stressed or having problems. One of the most positive correlations is around interest to attend school: ArtSmart students are 3.6 times more excited to go to school on their lesson days than on an average school day.

If you’re interested in exploring the research further, we invite you to view the full report. here.