Grant helps music school expand its instrument library

North Valley Music School has expanded its instrument lending library after receiving a grant.

A grant from the Kramer Family Foundation, allowed the music school to expand its inventory by purchasing four Yamaha P45 keyboards.

With this instrument program, NVMS is able to help students who face an often overlooked barrier to music education — the lack of an instrument.

Currently, the nonprofit music school matches high-quality instruction with students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Scholarships are available to ensure that no student who seeks music education is turned away.

Jessica Shaw, director of opportunity for the school, says “another important element of one’s musical journey is access to an instrument.”

Instruments are often expensive and without one, a promising musician is powerless to develop his or her individual voice and/or pursue lessons. Access can start or stop one’s music path and eventually determines if one can participate in a performance, an orchestra audition or a chamber ensemble.

Sarah Mayal says the music school’s library was able to provide her with an instrument.

“When I knew I wanted to take music lessons, it was a significant financial decision,” Mayal said. “I craved music and was passionate enough to make my budget work to take the lessons, but it still didn’t seem possible because I couldn’t afford a violin.”

The instrument lending program serves between 20 to 35 students a year. Instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be rented for $10 a month. Scholarship recipients are offered instruments free of charge. Current inventory includes 17 violins, nine keyboards, a drum set, two cellos, and some band instruments. This is possible through private donors and grants.

NVMS’s next investment goal is 16 new violins and financial support is needed. Additionally, many other instruments are aging and need to be replaced. To learn more about music education at NVMS and to donate to the Instrument Lending Library, visit northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074.