April 16, 2009 at 4:24 PM
There is a recent discussion thread about the study of music and economic realities. My first violin was borrowed. My next violin was a $3 auction violin (it was a happy day when my teacher dropped it). My next violin was a rent-to-own with a plastic tail piece and painted purfling. By 8th grade a corner had been knocked off when I tripped on some rocks in the snow. Then I borrowed instruments in college until I was able to get something halfway decent with my graduate student loan.
There are students at all levels who have musical aspirations but limited resources. There also many schools in high poverty areas that give students meaningful access to the arts. There is an organization called donorschoose.org that allows indivduals to donate even small amounts to a project of their choosing (not just music).
This is my project: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=265856. In my case, I am hoping to increase the number of appropriately sized instruments I have for my students. I encourage you to visit this website; you will see there are many dedicated teachers with limited resources trying to provide the best opportunities for their students.
Patricia-
Thank you for posting this, and all best for continued success with your projects!
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