Euterpe: Music Is The Key, a not-for-profit charity, has received a grant of $173,200 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This grant aims to support the organization's growth over a three-year period, allowing them to continue their mission of spreading the love of music and providing access to musical education for children. With a focus on under-served communities, Euterpe offers performance programs, workshops, music lessons, and instruments to inspire and empower children through the transformative power of music.
Euterpe: Music Is The Key - Spreading the Love of Music and Empowering Children
( Credit to: Ludwig-van )
Euterpe: Music Is The Key, a registered not-for-profit charity, has been awarded a grant of $173,200 by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant, announced by MPP Peter Tabuns at the Arts and Letters Club, aims to support the organization's growth over a three-year period. This follows a previous grant awarded to Euterpe in 2020, which has enabled them to make significant progress in their work.
( Credit to: Ludwig-van )
Euterpe has been working with under-served communities, particularly in inner-city neighborhoods, for the past 20 years. Their mission is to spread the love of music through performance programs and workshops, with a focus on providing exposure to live music. For those who are interested, they also offer music lessons and instruments.
The Impact of Music Education on Children's Development
Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth, expressed his gratitude to Euterpe: Music Is The Key for their efforts to expand access to musical education for children. He also acknowledged the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation in funding these initiatives. Tabuns emphasized the positive impact that music can have on children's development and commended the students who have taken advantage of the opportunities provided by Euterpe.
Catherine Wilson, founder of Euterpe: Music Is The Key, highlighted the numerous benefits of learning a musical instrument and making music with others. These benefits include improved mental health, focus, academic performance, social and emotional development, and overall well-being. Wilson believes that all children should have access to nurturing musical opportunities that enhance their lives.
The ongoing study conducted by Euterpe has shown that nearly 100% of the children involved would not have had access to high-level music learning opportunities without the organization's intervention. The children's response to the programs has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to learn to play an instrument and create their own music. In response to this interest, Euterpe established the Music Mentorship Program, which provides instruments and lessons free of charge to children who reach out after experiencing their programs.
Ensemble Vivant: The Core of Euterpe's Work
Euterpe's flagship performance group, Ensemble Vivant, led by artistic director Catherine Wilson, is at the core of their work. Their approach is based on evidence-based research, which they continuously conduct in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Trainor from the McMaster Institute of Music and the Mind. Dr. Trainor's expertise lies in the connections between music and healing, as well as the positive effects of music on the brain.
Catherine Wilson emphasized the numerous benefits of learning a musical instrument and making music with others. These benefits include improved mental health, focus, academic performance, social and emotional development, and overall well-being. She believes that all children should have access to nurturing musical opportunities that enhance their lives. Euterpe's programs are designed to empower children from all backgrounds through inspiring music education and performance experiences.
Expanding Reach and Transforming Lives
Euterpe: Music Is The Key continues to make a significant impact on the lives of children in under-served communities through their music programs. With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, they are able to expand their reach and provide more children with the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music.
The previous grant received by the organization was used to support various aspects of their programs, including hosting 74 performances by professional musicians, covering administrative costs, acquiring a grand piano from Yamaha Canada Music Ltd., developing program materials, and funding a scientific study on the impact of their programs on children.
One such student is 12-year-old Victoria Abiodun, who was inspired to pursue music after attending one of Euterpe's performances at her school in the Jane Finch area of Toronto. She reached out to the organization and became part of the Music Mentorship Program. After a year of lessons, Victoria had the opportunity to perform with Ensemble Vivant at the grant announcement ceremony on April 22.
Euterpe: Music Is The Key is dedicated to spreading the love of music and empowering children through their programs. By providing access to musical education, performance opportunities, and mentorship, they are making a lasting impact on the lives of children in under-served communities. With the support of grants like the one from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Euterpe will continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.