I recently came across an article about Damon Albarn (of British rock fame… Blur) partnering with Oxfam to aid the poverty stricken Democratic Republic of Congo. In his latest project, Damon is working with citizens of the DRC to produce an album influenced by the music of the Congo, with all proceeds going back to the country’s people in need.
I love the idea of using music to give back to those in need and at our piano studio we regularly engage our students in charitable projects using their music. Doing so, makes our students and families feel good, and gives them a heightened purpose for practicing piano. Most recently we have held theme month concerts to support local children in need, published and sold a book of student compositions to raise money for our provincial children’s hospital, and collected items during student recitals for the local food bank.
We’d love to hear about any great ideas you may have for piano students giving back through music. I’ll leave the first idea in the comment sections below and would love for the others to share. Oh… and check out the video of Damon Albam’s project in the DRC.
At our studio we’ve always considered (but never tried) a 12 hour Piano-thon to raise money for a local charity. Any other ideas?
Another way to give back to the community is to hold regular recitals at nursing homes in the area. The residents love the music and seeing the students. The students enjoy hearing each other and having an audience to hear them perform!
Great idea April… I know my wife’s 93 year old Grandmother raves about the kids and choirs that visit her “assisted living” complex… always the highlight of her week!