The Music Lessons Project
Announcing addition of Leslie:
In Fall 2023, Leslie Middle School will join Claggett Creek, Houck, Parrish, Stephens, Waldo, McKay, and North Salem as schools that MLP supports with lessons.
Our organization’s focus is Title I schools and when we were founded five years ago, Leslie was not Title I.
The Vision
Closing the opportunity gap by offering supplemental music instruction so that no dedicated student who wants to pursue music lessons is limited because of cost.
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
2022-2023 Program Data
270 students served; 60 at two high schools and 210 at five middle schools
1,879 estimated lessons given covering 1,052 hours
24 MLP lesson teachers
Note: Most lessons began early in the school year and many were extended mid-year when initial contracts were running out. The result is that we were able to give considerably more weeks of lessons than usual resulting in deeper learning. Our goal each year is to continue extending weeks of instruction beyond the baseline.
2021-2022 Program Data
263 students served; 81 at two high schools and 182 at five middle schools
1087 lessons given covering 685 hours
23 MLP lesson teachers
Note: Most began after the first of the year since students needed the earlier time to reacclimate to being in class together before starting activity such as 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 Teacher, 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