Orpheus Academy of Music Forges New Bond with Kids in a New Groove

AUSTIN, Texas - Aug. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- Orpheus Academy of Music announced today a new alliance with Kids in a New Groove, a non-profit devoted to providing music lessons to foster children.  In this strategic partnership, the professional staff at Orpheus will teach music lessons pro bono to foster children participating in Kids in a New Groove programs on an as-needed basis. In addition, Orpheus will donate the proceeds from its upcoming 10-year Anniversary Concert being held in October 2013 to this non-profit for foster children.

“This new collaboration with Orpheus Academy of Music is truly important for Kids in a New Groove due to the high caliber of teaching expertise from its faculty.  We knew of Orpheus’ ability to attract and retain renowned musicians and educators and its reputation for excellence within the Austin music community so we were thrilled that Orpheus chose to partner with us in this important mission,” stated Executive Director Karyn Scott of Kids in a New Groove.  “We believe that Orpheus’ faculty will take our program to a new level.”

Orpheus Academy of Music, the only classical music studio in Central Texas with a holistic approach to classical music instruction through movement, singing, theory and performance, instructs more than 350 students.  On its staff, Orpheus boasts 18 professional full-time faculty members, all who have either a Master’s or Doctorate in Music.

Ms. Scott believes that “this partnership will also help us spread the word about the gifted children in the foster care system who need more community support.” Kids in a New Groove currently provides free, weekly lessons for more than 70 children in foster care and some of the children have shown promising musical futures.  

However, providing music lessons is expensive – hence the need for valuable strategic partners like Orpheus.   It costs Kids in a New Groove about $1,000 a year for each child enrolled in its music education program.  Each music teacher follows the student throughout the foster care system thus, providing both stability and support to the student during this chaotic time. Participating music instructors are paid at a reduced rate or work pro bono and each teacher goes to the student’s place of residence for the lesson — whether the child is residing in a foster home or a shelter.

“With this new collaboration, hopefully, Orpheus can give additional assistance to these children who are often overlooked. The mission of Kids In a New Groove aligns with Orpheus’ vision of bringing great meaning through music to a child’s life, both personally and in their world,” said Klondike Steadman, founder and director of Orpheus Academy of Music.  “It is this phrase ‘bringing great meaning to a child….in their world’ which resonates particularly to us.  Through Kids In a New Groove program, we hope we can instill this vision of finding joy through music - despite one’s circumstances.”

About Orpheus Academy of Music

Orpheus Academy of Music, dedicated to a joyful approach to musical excellence, provides professional instruction in classical guitar, piano, violin, viola, voice, percussion, and chamber music. The only music school in Central Texas to offer a holistic approach to classical music instruction through movement, singing, theory and performance, its students are taught exclusively by fulltime professional music teachers with advanced music degrees.  Orpheus looks beyond the traditional methods of music education and seeks to create innovative models for student learning, both individually and collaboratively.

Since its inception in 2003, Orpheus Academy of Music has grown from forty-five students to over three hundred and fifty students, including thirty children with special needs, and supports a staff of twenty professional music educators.  Through this exponential and collaborative growth, Orpheus’ vision - to help students understand that their playing is bringing great meaning to their life, both personally and in their world  - is being realized.  

For more info about Orpheus Academy of Music, visit www.orpheusacademy.com.

About Kids in a New Groove

Kids in a New Groove is a non-profit that provides free, one-on-one music mentorship to children in the Texas foster care system. Currently, Kids in a New Groove is serving children in Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Houston. They offer weekly meetings with mentors who provide lessons in areas such as voice, guitar, piano, and drums, which the children choose from. Along with mentor guidance and music lessons, the children also have an opportunity to receive a brand new instrument, which they can earn from meeting program goals. The program’s mission is to build solid foundations for youth in foster care so they can age out of care with the tools for success.

To donate to Kids in a New Groove, please go to www.kidsinanewgroove.org.

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