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I was funded by Music Link to learn to play the piano. Music link provided a professional piano teacher for me for three years, and the senior year of my high school I applied to multiple music conservatories such as Moravian College, Guilford College, GMU, and even Oberlin College as a music major. I got into all that I applied to. Music Link is such a wonderful program that give kids like me the opportunity to follow their dreams and follow their heart.

When I opened my non-profit music school in 2001, I was searching for a way to engage the disadvantaged community in my musically elitist city of Madison, WI. I was thrilled to discover the MusicLink Foundation's system that fit perfectly into our existing programming. Joanne Haroutounian can take credit for enhancing the lives of so many talented children across the country. And the key word is "talented." How many students do us teachers teach that we know deep down will never really get anywhere in the world of music, but we need the income and so "take the money and run?" Most of them, I'd say. Yet the system of having community leaders identify children who show a special flair for music but do not have the resources to seek out private lessons makes it (for me) completely worthwhile. I love teaching, I love kids and I love teaching kids who are talented. I don't even notice the lack of $. I also love the challenge of finding teachers who are willing to be apart of this amazing program. Sincerely, Jo Simons, Director Community Music School, ltd Madison, WI

I loved teaching with Music Link, think it is a wonderful program and just wish more families knew they could have lessons this way.

I have been involved with MusicLink for 7-8 years as a music teacher and have worked with four students during this time. Recently, I have helped two more children get involved in the program with teachers in my area. If it were not for the Music Link program, none of the these children would be able to afford music lessons. Each of the families has been very grateful for the opportunity and each person I have worked with has worked very hard on the assignments I give them. Through the MusicLink Foundation, we have found a piano on Craig's list for one of the new students. The owner decided to donate it and MusicLink will cover the cost of moving the piano to the student's home. For me, it has been very rewarding to offer lessons to these children. My second music link student graduated from high school and is attending college now. Recently, she was visiting in town and she and I were able to perform a duet during church. She had practiced and played her part beautifully.

I have watched, in wonder, as music student after music student has moved through their lives reframing how they saw themselves as a result of the caring support of MusicLink teachers. Year after year, successful performance after successful performance, these children in need built a strong sense of themselves as disciplined, capable and an important part of the musical community. Most, have gone on to win scholarships to universities and colleges. Often being the first person in their families to ever go to college. MusicLink is about music and a whole lot more!