Great Nonprofits

A year and a half ago I was desperately in search of HELP! I had taken in 3 young relatives only to discover that each one had unique social/developmental issues, and together their issues were compounded as they bounced off each other. Trying to manage them was like trying to organize a sit down dinner on Noah's Ark. Someone familiar with the chaos in our home gave me the contact number for this group. The MusicLink Foundation and the volunteer teachers who gave us lessons have worked a miracle in our lives! Although the children are still a handfull they have developed a level of discipline I never thought I'd see as they compete to show off who can play more of their songs with the fewest errors. Truly music has "..soothed the savage breast." As an added bonus, learning to play an instrument has raised their standing among their classmates at school and given them more confidence in their ability to learn anything else. And recently, when my own son's cello was broken (a loss I sadly could not afford to replace) they came through in the most unexpected and wonderful way for him. Life isn't always fair, but people like this who give of their time and talents to help improve children's experience are a gift. I only hope that someday I will be in a position to contribute toward the continuation of their good works.

The MusicLink program inspired me to offer a scholarship to a young girl who would not otherwise have been able to afford piano lessons. After 4 years in the program she not only plays the piano very well, but has also now added violin and percussion playing. She loves music of all kinds and has developed extreme confidence. I have no doubt that she is a future leader, not only in musical activities, but in life. As an educator, I'm of the opinion that every teacher needs to offer one scholarship at all times. Great things happen to everyone involved as a result.

I am a piano teacher with a studio in my home. I have several one-income families with multiple students taking lessons from me. Music Link has allowed these talented and dedicated students to explore the world of music. Our local music teacher's association allows music link students to participate in contests and piano exams free of charge. I have received free musicand music at a discount for my students. The parents of my music link students are very grateful, as they would not be able to afford lessons for their children. My favorite story is about Rachel. Rachel was learning to play piano on an old, small keyboard. Through Music Link, she was able to get "a real piano!" Now her sister and a brother are playing on that piano. The mom, Karen, has to ask them to stop playing on occasion! Music Link has certainly made a difference in my studio.

The director of our school, The Camden Music School, helped to link the teachers up with MusicLink. At first, I was skeptical (I thought there would be a 'catch' to the offer of help) but I was proven wrong. The MusikLink program truly shares the same belief as the Camden Music School. Both groups want to bring the gift and wonder of music to people that simply can not afford it. Well, it is working! With the MusicLinks helping hands, we are able to provide beginning books for our students that truly can't afford books, let alone lessons or an instrument. We dreamed of a wonderful grand piano and had saved 800 dollars for it.(miles to go) Out of the blue, we recieved a call from MusikLink asking if we could use a grand piano. That was truly a dream come true. It was a very proud day for us to have our first recital playing that grand piano. MusikLink is truly a group that lets their actions speak louder than words. I personally thank them as a teacher of the underserved population. MusikLink IS making a difference in the lives of my kids. I see it in my students personalities and on their faces, where it counts. I can't thank MusikLink enough.

Bamber Valley Elementary School became familiar with the Music Link Program when a representative from the organization contacted our school. Our school has been participating in this program for two years. We have received excellent feedback on this program from staff, students and parents.

I first learned of the Musiclink Foundation from the director of my children's music school at a time when we were struggling to pay for lessons. We applied for a summer scholarship, and, as a result, my kids were able to attend a wonderful string camp. This was only the beginning, however, as we have continued to struggle financially, the Musiclink Foundation has provided wonderful support. My oldest son attended their conference in Virginia last June and received a beautiful viola. Then, around Christmastime, my youngest son received his very own cello. I feel truly blessed to have come to know this foundation; they have helped our family out more that I could have ever wished or imagined.

I learned of the MusicLink Foundation at a music EXPO put on by Schmitt Music, in the Minneapolis area. For several years I had wanted to try to teach piano lessons to children from homes who could not afford lessons. But I knew that most did not have access to a piano. Then I met the Minnesota MusicLink representative, and thus began a wonderful chapter in my piano lessons history. I currently teach 15 students, and 6 of them receive lessons from no pay up to half price. Then, they have each received an electric keyboard for a time, which has been replaced by a real piano eventually. If they continue lessons through MusicLink for 4 years, they are allowed to keep the piano. Of all the students I've had over the past several years, they have all worked hard, and the families have been so blessed and appreciative. I, too, have been much blessed. Our Minnesota representative is VERY supportive of everything we do, as is the national organization.