Toledo Symphony
Two Maritime PlazaToledoOH43604
419-241-1272419-321-6890

Program: Community Music Lesson Program Year Started: 1988 Focus: Music Youth Served: 63 Ages: 10-15 Budget: $45,000 When a minority advisory committee recommended that the Toledo Symphony start a music program for inner-city children, the Symphony listened. It initiated the Community Music Lesson Program to provide city youth with opportunities to improve self-discipline, self-initiative and teamwork skills through the study of a musical instrument. One-on-one, half-hour classes taught by Symphony members and other professional musicians take place weekly year-round at neighborhood community centers. "The staff is dedicated not just to rigorous music instruction, but also to the idea of supporting the kids emotionally and academically," says Orchestra Manager John Hancock. Many of the participants are referred to the Program by the county juvenile court. Sixty percent of the students have been enrolled in the Music Lesson Program for 2 or more years; parents are reporting improvements in behavior; and minority students are going on to become members in junior high and high school orchestras. "This program has been a blessing for both my daughter and me. I knew this world of music was out there somewhere, but I never dreamed we would be a part of it," said the mother of one participant.