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
2020-2021 Program Data
- 85 students served; 36 at two high schools and 49 at three middle schools
- 841 lessons given covering 480 hours
- 20 MLP lesson teachers
Note: Fewer students participated due to Covid and all online-lessons. Most lessons were given individually rather than in the usual small group lesson model. Since funding was available most participating students had more lessons than typical.
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
- 35 MLP lesson teachers
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