Newport Festivals Foundation announces expansion of free music lessons program into Providence

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Newport Festivals Foundation announces expansion of free music lessons program into Providence

Newport Festivals Foundation, which produces the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals, has announced the expansion of its Free Music Lessons program to Providence, Rhode Island. Starting today, any student, ages 9-18 can now register to receive ten private music lessons at the Providence School of Music, free of charge.

For the past two years, NFF has operated its free lessons program on Aquidneck Island providing over 230 students with free private music lessons.

“We believe that every student in Rhode Island should have access to music education – regardless of their economic status,” said Dan Swain, Director of Programs for Newport Festivals Foundation. “And selfishly, if the next generation isn’t learning how to actually play real instruments, we won’t have artists to put on the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festival stages in ten years from now”.

The expansion into Providence was made possible thanks to the support of the Joyce and George Wein Foundation.

“Joyce and George Wein were music lovers and of course, George played the piano,” said Deborah Ross, Executive Director of the Joyce and George Wein Foundation. “They would be proud to know that young people are able to learn an instrument through this program, and whether they become the next Ella Fitzgerald or Christian McBride, they can appreciate the skill and beauty of how music can be made.”

Parents and students are encouraged to visit newportfestivals.org/lessons to sign up for lessons and learn more about the program. Lessons will begin in January and be offered in guitar, piano, voice, bass, and drums.

Upon completion of the form, applicants will be added to a waitlist. Once a spot becomes available, the Providence School of Music will reach out to schedule the lessons.

REGISTER HERE FOR PROVIDENCE LESSONS.

REGISTER HERE FOR AQUIDNECK LESSONS.

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