Young Musicians Express Gratitude for Free Lesson Program
NEWPORT, RI – April 13, 2025 – The Gruben Charitable Foundation and Newport Festivals Foundation's initiative to provide free music lessons to Rhode Island students continues to strike a chord with its young participants. Nearly two years into the program, over 230 students have received free music lessons, with many sharing heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to explore their musical talents.
The program, which launched in 2023, provides students ages 9-18 with ten free half-hour private lessons at two locations: the Newport Music Shop on Bellevue Avenue and the Providence School of Music on Waterman Street. For students taking lessons in Newport, free instrument rentals are available for the duration of their lessons.
Three budding musicians recently wrote to express their appreciation for this musical opportunity:
Sophie P., who is learning guitar, wrote: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn an instrument. I have enjoyed learning guitar at Newport Music with Noah. I appreciate having this experience and hope to continue learning."
For young Ethan, the program has opened new doors: "Thanks for making my lessons possible Gruben Charitable and Foundation. And Thank You for The Donation!" he wrote, complete with happy faces expressing his enthusiasm.
The program's youngest participant, Daniel, shared a colorful thank you note with drawings of himself playing drums and musical notes, proudly declaring that he is "rocking on drums!" according to an additional note from Daniel's father.
"These notes perfectly capture why we created this program," said Diana Oehrli, trustee of the Gruben Charitable Foundation. "Music instruction provides incredible benefits for developing minds, and seeing these children's excitement reinforces our commitment to making music accessible to everyone."
What began as a partnership between the Newport Festivals Foundation and the Gruben Charitable Foundation has since expanded, with the Joyce & George Wein Foundation and the Bazarsky Family Foundation joining the effort to reach more students across Rhode Island.
The free lesson initiative now covers a wide range of instruments including piano, guitar, bass and bass guitar, drums, percussion, ukulele, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, violin, viola, and cello.
The program is specifically designed for families and students who otherwise could not afford private music lessons. Interested students can register online for lessons in either Newport or Providence. Upon completing the registration form, applicants are added to a waitlist and contacted when a spot becomes available to coordinate their lesson schedule.
For more information about the free music lesson initiative, please contact info@newportfestivals.org.
