A NEW YOUNG PEOPLE’S MUSIC EDUCATION FUND.

Many kids who might be inspired to learn to play classical music never act on the impulse, because they don’t know how to find a qualified teacher, lack the needed financial resources, or don’t see people who look like themselves on the concert stage. They assume that there is no place for them in the classical world.

To create more opportunities, we’ve launched a fund to help financially disadvantaged young people afford music lessons from top local music teachers, and musical instrument rentals through our partner, The Baroque Violin Shop.

A year of lessons costs between $3,000 and $4,000. We hope you will be inspired to want to sponsor a deserving young student.

How the Fund Will Work.

During each CMC concert, young people ages (7-17), who are inspired by the music they hear to learn an instrument themselves will be invited to sign up to audit a lesson between a music teacher and their student. This will help give them a sense of what taking music lessons is like, and whether it’s something they actually want to do. Wherever possible, a parent will attend these sessions, since parental approval is crucial to the process. 

After the audit, those who want to continue with be matched with dedicated music teachers who are based as close to their homes as possible. Financing of their lessons will be worked out, with payments made directly to the teacher and instrument renter. The number of students in the program will depend on the amount of funding raised. The cost of lessons for a beginning student is estimated at $3,500 annually, including instrument rental. At the end of each year, students’ desire to continue will be evaluated. Music teachers will be jointly chosen by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Cincinnati.

Participating students will also have the chance to attend masterclasses with and concerts by Chamber Music Cincinnati guest artists. 

You Can Help.

Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.