CN: October 27, 2021

October 27, 2021

Keys to success

Around Town

COMMUNITY VOICES By Venus Martz. Pg. 2 Nov. 7: HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum St. Louis to host ‘Great Candy Exchange’ . Pg. 3 Nov. 7: The 2021 Florissant Veterans’ Day Parade. Pg. 4

School North and South Technical High Schools host open house events. Pg. 7

Features Submitted photo Pianos For People is reducing the obstacles to receiving music education by providing low-income families with free piano lessons and pianos.

Pianos For People brings equity to music education by providing low-income families with free piano lessons and pianos By Wendy Todd Pianos For People is reducing the obstacles to receiving music education by providing low-income families with free piano lessons and pianos. The organization, founded in 2012 by Tom and Jeanne Townsend, was created to make learning piano, a longstanding symbol of privilege, accessible to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. “We want to break down barriers, so that students who have been historically excluded from these activities are able to receive quality music education as well,” says Sherry Nelson, the organization’s newly appointed advancement director. The organization originally started with

giving away pianos to those who couldn’t afford to purchase one. So far, the nonprofit has distributed over 300 donated pianos to students. And in 2014, it expanded its mission and began offering lessons, imparting a deeper experience of engagement with music. According to research, the advantages of music study include stress relief, enhanced cognitive ability and increased memory. The nonprofit believes in equal access to the rewards of developing musicianship. “Even if someone feels they are not musically talented enough to take piano lessons, there are benefits to musical learning that go way beyond becoming a good musician. It develops focus, patience, self-esteem, so-

cial skills and a lot of other positive character traits that help people succeed in life,” says Executive Director Matt Brinkman, who is also a member of the beloved Funky Butt Brass Band. “The benefits of learning an instrument like the piano shouldn’t be limited only to those above a certain income level. We believe it’s something that should be accessible to everyone,” he continues. The organization’s attempt to promote equity in music is demonstrated through its decision to have a music center not only on Cherokee Street in South St. Louis but also in Ferguson. “Kids in Ferguson are often overlooked and See ‘KEYS’ page 2

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 100 No. 43 | 636-379-1775

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Yeggs & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4

Weather FRIDAY Rain 54/45 SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 61/44 SUNDAY Sunny 62/41