HISTORY

Based at The Lighthouse and other satellite locations, our Community Music School has provided quality private music instruction and Christian mentoring for over 100 children and youth. Most of our students commute to the school, some from as far away as 50 miles. The majority of students are from low-income families that could not possibly afford the cost of private music instruction. For these kids we charge 1 dollar per lesson. We also provide these kids with loaned instruments and other music materials for free. Our faculty is made up of volunteers. Music professionals from our colleges, universities, public schools and churches commit to giving one hour per week at our school. During this hour they teach two students. The older, most promising and talented students are asked to teach two beginning and younger music students. In this way we provide leadership training for our youth and powerful examples of commitment and dedication for our children. Some of the students in our school audition for and join our youth bands; others perform for local churches and concerts. Donations, love offerings, and grants fund this ministry and our youth bands.

The Community Music School is an innovative approach to the transformation of young lives through private music instruction, high levels of expectation, evaluation, and the development of personal relationships between students and music tutors. Since 1998, our music school has provided quality private music instruction and Christian mentoring for over 100 children and youth. The school provides highly qualified volunteer tutors to give private music lessons to financially disadvantaged children that have demonstrated talent, dedication and potential. The majority of students are from low-income families that could not possibly afford the cost of private music instruction. The ethnic make up our student population is about 40% Hispanic, 30% African American, 20% Haitian or other Caribbean nationality and 10% Anglo. The age of our students ranges from 5 to 19 years old.
The Community Music School matches students with music tutors for one half hour or more of private music instruction per week. The director evaluates students in elementary, middle and high school grades to determine their current level of musical skill. The director then matches students to tutors based upon ability and instrument. Students pay either one-dollar a week for instruction or tutor others in return for their lesson.

The older, most promising and talented students are asked to teach two beginning and younger music students. In this way we provide leadership training for our youth and powerful examples of commitment and dedication for our children. Some of the students in our school audition for and join our youth bands; others perform for local churches and concerts.
Students come from the immediate community as well as area schools and churches. They are also transported from other churches (as far away as 30 miles) where disadvantaged children and youth attend. Most of our musical instruments have been donated and/or purchased reconditioned. These instruments along with other musical supplies are loaned at no cost to students who have no means for purchasing their own. Students are allowed to choose their own instrument for instruction, or have one recommended to them according to their age, aptitude and musical interest. All forms of music are available - classical, jazz, folk/country, sacred, contemporary. The school year is divided into two semesters with a week of recitals after each. Students are evaluated annually with their scores being comprised of recital marks and tutor evaluations.