Opened in October 1994, Community Music School offers private lessons to low-income children who receive instruction and guidance from professional musicians, and provides instruments for student use. Similar schools have played pivotal roles in nurturing some of America's great artistic talents, including clarinetist Benny Goodman, singer Johnny Mathis, dancer Martha Graham and actress Helen Hayes.
The school also encourages students and their families to participate in the cultural life of the community. Through collaborations with arts organizations in the area, students and their families receive discounted tickets to performances by such groups as the Raleigh Civic Symphony, the Raleigh Chamber Music Guild, the North Carolina Master Chorale, the Philharmonic Association, and the Raleigh Area Flute Association.
Students are selected on the basis of financial need and interest in the program. Each student and parent undergo an interview and orientation process. Additionally, each family must submit financial information yearly to ensure continued participation. Once admitted into the program, a student pays just one dollar for a thirty-minute lesson. Due to interest shown by prospective students and consistent community support, the school has increased its enrollment to a total of 185 students.
Enthusiastic community support has been demonstrated for the school through funding from the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, the United Arts Council of Wake County, the Woman's Club of Raleigh, the News and Observer, and other supporters of the arts in Wake County. The Church of the Good Shepherd rents the facilities for the Friday and Saturday operation of the program. In May of 1999, Community Music School received the prestigious Medal of Arts Award for outstanding contributions to the arts in Raleigh.
Changing lives through music since 1994.
