I have some exciting news, possibly the most exciting news of my career thus far and that is that I am starting a scholarship program for one of my students. Before I explain more, I want to explain why this is happening. 

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When I was growing up, I was able to do and be a part of many things. Violin lessons, piano lessons, youth orchestra, and summer music camps which all cost some type of tuition. Not to mention the rental and purchase of instruments, music, and equipment.

 

Now, I mention this not because I want you to think I’ve got it all, but to highlight what stands between many families and the opportunity to get quality music lessons for their students. 

 

When I was in high school, I saw the passion of other musicians around me at school. But I quickly recognized that while a few of us lived similar lives, many could not take private lessons like I did. Let alone camps and youth orchestra. And while we were fortunate to have an excellent band and chorus teacher, it doesn’t replace one on one time with an expert in that instrument. 

 

As a teacher myself, I’ve seen just the amazing things that can happen in private lessons. They are so much more than learning the basics (although those are fantastic). It goes even beyond the usual benefits like patience, perseverance, discipline, and time management. 

 

Music lessons give you one on one time with a student which is an opportune time for exacting positive change for a student.. This puts them into contact with a mentor. Someone who can guide them, who will listen, and will steer them toward their dreams. I personally see it as one of my jobs to teach students to think logically and encourage them to use their knowledge to independently make musical decisions. That’s shaping their minds! 

 

Students are given an artistic, intellectual, emotional outlet but they are also given someone who can change their lives. 

 

The median household income is around 60k in the US. I know you don’t need a lesson in budgeting, but just imagine taxes, rent or a mortgage, electric, car, health care, etc. That means that many Americans are boxed out of not just this opportunity but countless life building experiences some of us take for granted.  

 

While I stand by the value of my lessons as a merited teacher, I personally find it unfair that this makes it impossible for people to receive one on one time with good teachers, considering its life changing potential. Having more money shouldn’t mean you deserve more opportunity. Having less doesn’t mean you deserve less. 

 

The student that I am trying to help has been interested in violin for some time. I discussed lessons with her mother, who I know personally and she was very eager to start. But there are many things standing between them and lessons right now. Just consider all the things you have to have before you can begin. And you could be the person to help them. 

 

Starting on Tuesday, October 13 I will be committing to streaming 100 days of practice to raise money for this student. This means that for 100 non consecutive days I will be streaming my practice sessions LIVE on Twitch and Facebook. And not just the cute stuff. We’re talking the whole shebang. Technique, etudes, practicing and analyzing pieces. And I won’t just be practicing. Each day, I will focus on a different aspect of practice: explaining what I do, how, and why. 

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You can support this cause by giving directly to my PayPal (elaine.ubando@gmail.com), Venmo (@Elaine-Ubando), or some other way we can discuss privately. On Twitch, I will be dedicating a portion of tips given during streams toward this student’s lessons as well. You can find more information on that on twitch.tv/elainesmusiclibrary

 

We are going to aim big right off the bat. Our base goal for this fundraiser is $1200 which would provide 6 months of violin lessons in full. This means this family could have half a year of lessons completely the stress of tuition. If we make it to $1800 by Christmas, I will plan an extra recital beyond my regular performances as a thank you to all of you! If we are able to make it to $2400 — which would cover an entire year of violin lessons — by Thanksgiving the recital program will be viewer’s choice!

 

As an aside, I want you to know that I vow to use money given toward this cause solely for its intended purpose which is to fund lessons for those do not have ready access to it. 

 

Friends this is just the beginning of something incredible and new. One day I hope we can build support for more than just one. 

 

I just want to end with a thank you to two incredible women in my life. One of them heard me develop this dream of supporting the unsupported and under supported through music lessons. And she was the one person to keep me accountable to this dream. The second person has taught me, mentored me, and encouraged me to find a place in between where my skills and my beliefs meet. And this is it. 

 

Thank you all! Check back for weekly updates!