Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A non-profit in Roslindale that teaches kids how to play music is putting out a request for donations of string instruments, as it tries to meet the rising demand of hopeful young musicians.
Founded in 2007, musiConnects offers cheap or tuition-free private lessons, group music classes and performance opportunities.
Elizabeth Cook, artistic director of musiConnects, said budget restrictions are limiting how many kids the organization can take in.
“If we get more instruments, then we’re able to serve more kids in our community,” Cook said.
The organization usually rents the instruments from a company in Newton, but Cook said it has started to get too expensive. She said the non-profit is looking for violins, violas and cellos from people who don’t need them anymore, like local adults who used to play one of the pricy instruments when they were younger.
Along with learning how to play string instruments, Cook said the program helps build confidence and provides kids with a creative and emotional outlet.
Thomas O’Toole, a fourth grader in the summer program, said he enjoys playing for a simpler reason.
“I like to make stuff up," he said, right before demonstrating.
Anyone with extra instruments lying around can find more information on donating here. The organization is especially looking for those donations as their busy school-year season starts up.
WBZ’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.