Big news!

North Valley Music School starts its 2021/2022 Music Year with an expansion of
their Instrument Lending Library to benefit participating musicians.

Thanks to a grant from the Kramer Family Foundation, NVMS expanded its inventory by purchasing
four Yamaha P45 keyboards. More rental inventory increases access to music education!

With this instrument program, NVMS is able to help students who face an often overlooked barrier to
music education: the lack of an instrument.

Currently, 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. However, “another important element of one’s musical journey is access to an
instrument,” says 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.

“When I knew I wanted to take music lessons, it was a significant financial decision,” says Sarah Mayal.
“I craved music and was passionate enough to make my budget work to take the lessons, but it still didn’t
seem possible because I couldn’t afford a violin. Thankfully, NVMS had their lending library and was able
to bridge the gap.”

The instrument lending program serves between 20-35 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 seventeen violins, nine keyboards, a drum set, two
cellos, and some band instruments. This is possible through private donors and grants.

“Music is not only a part of education; it is something that can be taken anywhere and used in anything
(even algebra!) Music is something that will be with me for the rest of my life and will always be, for me, a
source of pride, enjoyment, relaxation, and many happy memories.” M.D., NVMS scholarship recipient.

NVMS’s next investment goal is 16 new violins and financial support is needed. Additionally, many other
instruments are aging and need to be replaced.

To learn more about music education at NVMS and to
donate to the Instrument Lending Library, one can visit northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074.