Music School expands Instrument Lending Library

North Valley Music School is starting its 2021/2022 season with an expansion of its Instrument Lending Library to benefit participating musicians.

Thanks to a grant from the Kramer Family Foundation, North Valley Music School expanded its inventory by purchasing four Yamaha P45 keyboards. With this instrument program, the music school is able to help students who face an often overlooked barrier to music education — the lack of an instrument.

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.

“Another important element of one’s musical journey is access to an instrument,” said Director of Opportunity Jessica Shaw. “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.”

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, made possible through private donors and grants.

North Valley Music School’s next investment goal is 16 new violins. Additionally, many other instruments are aging and need to be replaced. Financial support is needed. To learn more and to donate to the Instrument Lending Library, visit northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074.