Lessons Learned – The Sweet Sounds of Success from Winning Music Programs

What does it take to build a transformative community music program, one that changes kids’ lives, opens new horizons for them, and contributes to healthier, more engaged communities? Each of our panelists has put in endless hours, faced innumerable challenges, made and corrected mistakes, and helped build a program that can serve as a role model for those who want to bring learning music to the young people in their own community.

Our panelists will share insights gained from years of organizing, fundraising, working with parents, teachers, administrators and public officials. Their examples show how to get started, build strategic alliances, create and adapt plans, persuade the skeptical, cope with challenged and challenging students, and nurture their organizations from “startup novelties” viewed with skepticism, to cherished, indispensable pillars of their communities, garnering enthusiasm, support and pride.