An Instrument for every child

[projekktor id=’23890′]

A music program called “An Instrument for Every Child” puts musical instruments in the hands of over 400 inner city school children in Hamilton. For the first year of the program, the students learn all about music and instruments. In the second year, they get to play an instrument of their choice and it’s all free.

In grade one, the students are taught general music education. Then starting in grade two, they get to pick an instrument to play, like a trumpet or a violin.

“We try to give a well rounded representation of all the different families of instruments that we offer lessons on for next year.”

Eric Ryder Costello is a local Hamilton musician who is part of a program at 8 inner city schools and two rec centers, to introduce music and instruments to young children.
“An instrument for every child brings music education for no charge the inner city schools in Hamilton, for the programs that have been cut back or eliminated all together due to budget concerns.”

The program runs the entire school year and by the end they’ll have seen close to a dozen different instruments. Musical instruments are expensive, but local sponsors have enabled the program to put instruments in the hands of 400 grade 2, 3, and 4 students.