By Ellie Sileo
Calling all with a passion for music! Take a look at an amazing opportunity from Greenwich Alliance for Education.
When asked about the program, Julie Faryniarz, Executive Director, shared that she “had the opportunity to help start Tuning In To Music in October 2006. Greenwich Alliance for Education wanted to make participation in the music programs in the Greenwich Public Schools accessible to all students who wanted to participate. So, that is why we built this program with Greenwich Public School music teachers making student recommendations to the CT School of Music for private instrumental music lessons for up to 30 weeks during the school year.”
The fundamentals of the program, laid out by Sharon Levin, Professional Flutist and Flute Teacher, include that “The Tuning Into Music program offers private instrumental lessons to students who wish to play an instrument and play with their school band. This is a scholarship program for students who meet the financial criteria to receive the scholarship. In order to remain in the program, as there is a waiting list, the students need for example: to practice every day, participate in their school band, play in the band concerts, and follow the attendance policy. We do have a waiting list and we want to be fair to all the students and give lessons to the students that are willing to do the work required on their end. On a positive note: For the students and parents who really appreciate the lessons, these requirements are never a problem.”
To emphasize the magnitude of this opportunity, Levin shared that, “The students get a scholarship for their private music lessons! That alone is an amazing gift! My favorite aspect of the program is giving a private lesson to each student and seeing the students improve week after week.”
To get to know our professionals further, Sharon Levin shared her experience as an active professional performer: “I have toured Central America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and several states in the USA. I conduct the Flute Choir with the Young Artists Philharmonic Youth Program and have conducted Flute Choir’s in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and for several years at the International Flute Festival in Costa Rica. I also have recordings, articles, music published and give lecture performances on Ecuadorian Mestizo Music. I teach privately at my home studio in Westport and with the Tuning Into Music Program in Greenwich. My website is www.fluteclassics101.com for more information. I have a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from Manhattan School of Music, a Certificate of Chamber Music from the Ecole Normale de Musique, in Paris, France and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College.” Levin’s impressive musical past gives assurance that this program will be immensely helpful to young students interested in pursuing the practice of the flute!
“To get into the program, the students need to be recommended by their band director and then get sign off from the school principal. For a student who really enjoys playing in the band and enjoys playing their instrument, this program is for that kind of student. It’s a wonderful scholarship for interested, motivated music students.” Levin shared.
“I have been with the program since the beginning and have enjoyed seeing the growth and development of both the students and the program. It is a true joy and privilege to be part of this program,” expressed Levin. I can agree with Levin first-hand as a graduated student of this program. The growth of musical ability is the most encouraging aspect of the program for children.
Julie Faryniarz, Executive Director, shared that “GPS music teachers are nominating students who are in the Tuning In To Music program for honors level performance groups and town-wide music festivals because these students’ skills are getting better and better.” To be able to perform on an esteemed level at a young age is a major motivator of this program!
Sarah Sweeney, administrator for the program within The Connecticut School of Music, adds that this program “advances the performance of music within Greenwich Public Schools.” To motivate young artists to step up their practicing, Sweeney says that “If you want to commit to improving yourself as a musician and the sound of your music group, the weekly lesson structure can be a way to advance.”
Over 400 students have received free instrumental music lessons since 2006 and that equates to 16,000 hours of lesson time. To help the Greenwich Alliance for Education continue to fund Tuning In To Music, donate at www.greenwichalliance.org.
