Federal Way Symphony offers free music instruction

The Federal Way Symphony is pleased to announce a new music education program offering free music lessons to local students in need.

The Federal Way Symphony is pleased to announce a new music education program offering free music lessons to local students in need.

The Masters and Mentors program pairs music educators with students who would be otherwise unable to afford individual music instruction, helping them hone their technique, refine their sound, and prepare them for auditions and ensemble playing. Students “pay” for the lessons through mentoring another younger student, fostering a culture of philanthropy.

As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to experience a Federal Way Symphony dress rehearsal, learning how professional orchestras prepare for a performance. They will also receive free tickets for their whole family to attend a Federal Way Symphony concert.

Federal Way Symphony invites applicants for free musical instruction in guitar, piano, keyboard, flute, voice, and percussion. Instructors for the initial program year have generously discounted their services in an effort to include as many families as possible, and thanks to individual donations from local supporters along with matching funds from ArtsFund Power2Give and Little Big Show partners Starbucks, STG, and KEXP, lessons are being offered at no cost to the students. Summer and fall instructors include Jean Balogh, Kitt Bender, Leon Christian, Kara Cooper, and Todd Zimberg.

Middle and high school students in Federal Way with at least one year of music experience, who qualify for free/reduced lunch, are eligible to participate in the program. Students and parents are invited to register for summer and fall instruction by contacting Executive Director Anna James Miller at 253-529-9857 or Program Assistant Jean Balogh at 253-835-2972, or by emailing info@federalwaysymphony.org.

With over 30 years in Federal Way, the symphony’s mission is to enrich the community by inspiring a passion for music across generations through distinctive live performances and education. Federal Way Symphony is registered nonprofit charitable organization – all contributions are tax deductible and go directly to supporting the mission and programs. To learn more and help keep the music alive, visit federalwaysymphony.org or call 253-529-9857.