Rachel Creed Music Sponsorship
I have established a sponsorship program in honor of a sweet friend of mine from college, Rachel Creed.
The plan is to have a sponsored piano, guitar or ukulele class any semester Possible, providing this opportunity to kids who would not have it without sponsorship.
The Story
Three days before she passed away, a sweet friend of mine from college, Rachel Creed, told her husband to have people donate to our music studio instead of giving flowers for her funeral/celebration of life. I have no words for how humbling this is to me.
We are going to honor Rachel's amazing heart by providing access to music education, loving relationships, and valuable life-skills for kids who would not have it otherwise.
I will never get over how amazing it is that Rachel thought of our studio as she was preparing to enter hospice. Rachel had wanted to open a studio similar to Oh Suzannah if she was able to recover. Yes, Rachel was an accomplished musician, yet she was an even more amazing person! She had a grace, a joy, and a peace surrounding her that would have provided an environment of healing & flourishing growth in her studio. I want to honor this beautiful intent of Rachel's heart through this summer sponsorship program for kids who will significantly benefit from the opportunity.
The Impact
Most of the time, the children who need the opportunity to learn a musical instrument the most are the very ones who have no access to that opportunity. Children who have experienced trauma are the ones most in need of the incredible benefits music has to offer. Childhood trauma can put into motion regressive impairment in young, malleable brains, with negative consequences extending into their future and to the people around them. [Read: Neural Correlates of Childhood Trauma with Executive Function] The great news is that time spent learning how to play a musical instrument greatly increases executive function in addition to many other benefits! [Ted-ed video: "How Music Affects Your Brain"]
I have successfully held a sponsorship class for two semesters including transportation provision. I have also had individual students sponsored over the years. These lessons had a great impact on the students and established a strong relationship with a caring adult in their lives. [article: One Caring Adult]
I deeply care about kids- giving love, tools to cope, confidence to succeed, and protection against what is lurking in the corners of too many children’s lives: substance abuse, generational dysfunction, predatory relationships, or the simple lack of resources.
My Commitment
Sponsoring students is a passion of my heart & I am determined to invest as much as I can into these special students & do whatever I can to be a friend and support for the long haul.
I also offer transportation so that is one less variable for families to worry about, and I offer space to practice as needed.
Ways You Can Help
Give once or whenever you can- anything will be a help!
Donate music books, practice prizes, or even instruments!
If you know people who might be interested in supporting this, you can help by sharing this page!
