The Music Lessons Project

Providing personalized music lessons to students with limited financial resources attending low-income schools in the Salem-Keizer Public School District

The Music Lessons Project

Enjoy this video prepared by the McKay Honor Society for The Music Lessons Project

Providing opportunities for personalized music instruction to students with limited financial resources in the Salem-Keizer School District.

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The Why

  • Students enrolled in music classes graduate at higher rates
  • Students learn valuable life skills such as responsibility, accountability, attention to detail
  • Students develop a strong sense of belonging and self-confidence

The Need

  • District music programs are outstanding with exemplary music teachers
  • Music students reach their highest potential by having access to lessons
  • An equity gap exists when a student family does not have resources to pay for lessons

2019-2020 Program Data

  • 368 students served; 106 at two high schools and 262 at five middle schools
  • 974 lessons given covering 777 hours
  • 69% of intended lessons provided before schools closed because of COVID

Testimonials from Teachers, Students, Donors

  • “The Music Lesson Project is a game changer for students. It is the most powerful initiative for positive results that I have worked with at any time during my 44-year career as a music educator.”  Mary Lou Boderman, retired Coordinator of Music
  • “MLP provides equitable opportunity to a large population; we are grateful.”  Music Director
  • Students impacted by receiving lessons are inspiring other students to want more in their musical pursuits.”  Music Director
  • “The three students would cheer when I came in the room and fight over who got to go first.”  MLP Teacher
  • “I saw lots of kids practicing at home and leaps and bounds of improvement.”  Music Director
  • “I am provided this amazing opportunity to help me grow not only as a musician but as a person. With every lesson I am granted, I become more confident with my abilities and I constantly see improvement in all aspects.”  High School Student
  • “I never thought a person like me who could not afford lessons would be taking lessons so I am very grateful that I am one of those students.”  High School Student
  • “Personally, after meeting students and talking with them about lessons, hearing the excitement in their voices and seeing the animation in their reactions, I am thoroughly impressed with what The Music Lessons Project has been able to provide these kids.”  Donor interviewing middle school lesson students